LOBSTER BACON MAC & CHEESE

Lobster Bacon Mac & Cheese image

Now that lobster season in Atlantic Canada is in full swing, here is a very trendy dish using this popular shellfish to serve at your next dinner party.

Provided by Chef mariajane

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1 shallot, peeled and minced
3 ounces all-purpose flour
3 cups 2% low-fat milk
1 bay leaf
1 pinch nutmeg
2 cups aged white cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
salt and pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
1 ounce smoked bacon
1 ounce parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
1 1/2 lbs lobsters, cooked and shelled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 ounces smoked bacon, chopped and slightly cooked
2 cups dry elbow macaroni

Steps:

SAUCE: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and shallot to butter and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a roux is formed. Gently whisk in milk, 1 cup at a time, being sure to work out any lumps.
Add bay leaf and nutmeg and let slow simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Stir in cheeses and seasoning and continue cooking and stirring until cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
CRUMB TOPPING: Place all crumb topping ingredients in a food processor and mix on low speed until bacon is fully incorprated.
NOODLES: In a large pot of boiling water (not salted), cook noodles until al dente. Strain noodles from water.
TO ASSEMBLE: Add noodles into sauce with lobster and bacon. Place in a casserole dish and top with crumb mixture. Bake in a 350F oven until crumb topping is golden. Remove from oven and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1176.2, Fat 54.7, SaturatedFat 29.6, Cholesterol 364.6, Sodium 2435.4, Carbohydrate 86.9, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 12.9, Protein 80.3