Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups

Name: Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded; 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Favorite Comfort Food

I absolutely love sharing these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups with friends and family! They’re a fun twist on the classic comfort food, combining rich, creamy cheese sauce with succulent lobster. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the mini portion sizes make them perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying appetizer. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing you to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next special occasion!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:21:27.968Z

The first time I made these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups, I was blown away by how well they turned out. The combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and sweet lobster meat was nothing short of heavenly. I used a mix of sharp cheddar and gruyere for depth, and each cup looked like a tiny, golden treasure fresh out of the oven.

This recipe stands out because of the bite-sized portions, making them perfect for parties. If you want to take it to the next level, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top just before serving. It adds a lovely touch of color and freshness!

Why You'll Love These Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups
Decadent richness from fresh lobster and creamy cheese
Perfectly portioned for entertaining and sharing
The crispy topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite

Mastering the Cheese Sauce

Creating a velvety cheese sauce is essential for the success of these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups. Start by ensuring that you cook the roux—your flour and butter mixture—until it's just slightly golden, about two minutes. This not only develops flavor but also prevents a raw flour taste in your sauce. When you add the milk, do so gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. You'll know your sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has thickened to a creamy consistency.

For a purely indulgent experience, opt for high-quality cheese. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy richness while the gruyere contributes a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the lobster. If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to mix in smoked gouda or fontina. Just remember that the cheese should melt smoothly. If your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a little more milk for desired creaminess.

Perfect Portions for Sharing

Muffin tins are incredibly versatile when it comes to crafting individual portions of mac and cheese. If you’re concerned about uneven cooking, consider using a silicone muffin pan for easy release and uniform heat distribution. These cups should be filled about three-quarters full to allow for slight puffing during baking. The breadcrumbs on top act as a barrier for moisture, giving each cup a delightful crunch that contrasts the rich filling below.

If you're looking to customize your servings further, you can even use mini muffin tins for bite-sized appetizers. Just reduce the baking time to about 10-15 minutes and keep an eye on them until the tops turn golden brown. This ensures that each guest can enjoy a single-bite delicacy that packs all the flavors without the mess of a traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on these delightful lobster mac and cheese cups:

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, then continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar and gruyere until melted.

Combine Macaroni and Lobster

Add the cooked macaroni and chopped lobster to the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fill the Cups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the lobster mac and cheese mixture. Top with breadcrumbs.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy.

Serve

Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

Enjoy these delightful bites of comfort food!

Pro Tips

You can use a combination of different cheeses for different flavors. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick!

Ingredient Variations

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding different seafood to these cups, like shrimp or crab, for a mixed seafood delight. Just be careful not to overcook the seafood before adding it to the cheese sauce. Cooked seafood can be quite delicate, and a quick toss in the sauce will suffice without further cooking.

For a vegetarian twist, you could swap the lobster for sautéed mushrooms or roasted butternut squash. Both options add substantial flavor and texture but may need a touch of extra seasoning to compensate for the lost sweetness of the lobster.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups can be prepared ahead of time! Assemble the cups up until the baking stage, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top, and bake as directed. This makes them an excellent choice for parties or gatherings, letting you spend less time in the kitchen once guests arrive.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes so that they stay crispy on the outside and are thoroughly heated inside.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lobster mac and cheese mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

→ What can I substitute for lobster?

You can use crab meat or shrimp as a delicious alternative if lobster isn't available.

→ Can I freeze these mac and cheese cups?

Yes, they freeze well! Just be sure to cool them completely before placing in an airtight container.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.