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Lobster and Truffle Mac & Cheese Casserole with Crispy Kale Topping
Andrea

Lobster and Truffle Mac & Cheese Casserole with Crispy Kale Topping

Take mac & cheese to a whole new level with this decadent Lobster and Truffle Mac & Cheese Casserole with Crispy Kale Topping. Rich, creamy, and perfectly layered with tender lobster and earthy truffle, this unique casserole is topped with crunchy kale for an elevated twist on the classic comfort dish.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta:
  • 500g cavatappi pasta (or any curly pasta)
  • 400g cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
  • 30g truffle butter
For the cheese sauce:
  • 60g unsalted butter
  • 60g all-purpose flour
  • 750ml whole milk
  • 250g Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 250g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 100g Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
  • 5g truffle oil
  • 2g white pepper
  • Salt to taste
For the crispy kale topping:
  • 100g kale, stems removed and leaves torn into small pieces
  • 15ml olive oil
  • 2g sea salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with truffle butter. Set aside.
  3. For the cheese sauce:
  4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  5. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano until melted and smooth.
  7. Add truffle oil, white pepper, and salt to taste.
  8. Gently fold the cooked pasta and lobster meat into the cheese sauce.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
  10. For the crispy kale topping:
  11. In a bowl, toss kale pieces with olive oil and sea salt.
  12. Spread evenly over the top of the casserole.
  13. Sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano over the kale.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the kale is crispy.
  15. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Lobster and Truffle Mac & Cheese Casserole with Crispy Kale Topping recipe:
  1. Seafood Trio Mac & Cheese
    • Combine lobster, shrimp, and crab meat for a rich seafood medley.
    • Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, and mozzarella for added depth.
  2. Buffalo Lobster Mac & Cheese
    • Mix in 100g of buffalo sauce into the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
    • Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions before baking.
  3. Mushroom and Truffle Mac & Cheese
    • Sauté 200g of mixed mushrooms (like shiitake and cremini) and add them to the cheese sauce.
    • Replace truffle oil with a truffle-infused cheese for an even richer flavor.
  4. Lobster Mac & Cheese with Spinach and Artichokes
    • Add 150g of chopped fresh spinach and 100g of canned artichoke hearts to the pasta mixture.
    • Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of the traditional cheese sauce for a different texture.
  5. Pesto Lobster Mac & Cheese
    • Stir in 100g of basil pesto into the cheese sauce for a fresh herby flavor.
    • Top with pine nuts before baking for added crunch.
  6. Lobster and Corn Mac & Cheese
    • Mix in 200g of fresh or frozen corn kernels into the pasta mixture.
    • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the sweetness of the corn.
  7. Lobster and Bacon Mac & Cheese
    • Incorporate crispy bacon bits (about 100g) into the pasta mixture for a smoky flavor.
    • Drizzle with a maple-balsamic reduction before serving for a sweet contrast.
  8. Mediterranean Lobster Mac & Cheese
    • Add sun-dried tomatoes (100g), Kalamata olives (50g), and feta cheese (100g) to the mix.
    • Use mozzarella and Parmesan for the cheese sauce to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
  9. Lobster and Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese
    • Substitute half of the pasta with roasted sweet potato cubes (300g) for added sweetness and nutrition.
    • Use a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy goat cheese in the sauce.
  10. Vegan Lobster-style Mac & Cheese
    • Use plant-based lobster alternatives made from jackfruit or mushrooms.
    • Make a cashew-based cheese sauce using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
These variations allow you to explore different flavor profiles while maintaining the essence of the original lobster mac & cheese casserole, making each version unique and delightful!