Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe

Having developed a healthy obsession for coastal cuisine (especially when it involves lobster), Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese has always held a special place in my heart (and stomach!). Since I first tasted this sea-meets-land delights odd some years ago, I’ve been committed to unlocking the secret behind its irresistibility. Now, I believe it’s time to share the fruits of this culinary quest with you all.

How to make Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese

The Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese is a popular dish served at The Capital Grille, a chain of upscale steakhouse restaurants in the United States. It features a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese made with a blend of cheeses, typically including aged cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan.

Ingredients

For the Lobster:

• 1 1/2 pounds of cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups of a quality cheese blend (recommendations: equal parts Gruyère, cheddar, fontina, and Havarti)

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound of pasta (cavatappi, macaroni, or any other preferred type)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions but aim for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, so slightly underdone is perfect. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Lobster: In a small pan, gently heat the tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped lobster meat and sauté lightly just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook to keep the lobster tender. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Start the sauce by melting the 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream while continually whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer, where the mixture should thicken slightly. Once your mixture is smooth and thick (like a béchamel sauce), stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Remove from heat, and add the cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until melted and incorporated.
4. Combine Pasta, Lobster, and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta and the sautéed lobster into the cheese sauce, gently mixing until both are fully coated.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix evenly until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes to set. Serve while warm, indulging in the sumptuous combination of tender lobster and creamy, cheesy pasta.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

• Cheese Choices: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality cheese. Gruyère is a classic choice for its nutty flavor, but feel free to experiment with your personal favorites.
• Lobster Love: If fresh lobster isn’t available, you can use good-quality frozen lobster meat.
• Bread Crumb Bliss: For an extra crunch on your breadcrumb topping, toast the panko lightly in a pan with butter before mixing with the Parmesan.
• Season Sensibly: Seafood loves salt, but because the cheese also contains salt, taste it regularly and season it carefully to ensure a balanced dish.

what to serve with

Creating the perfect companion for your homemade Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are a few great dishes and beverages that pair well with this rich, comforting main dish.

1. Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A light, crisp green salad perfectly contrasts the rich, creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese. The acidity from a citrus-based vinaigrette, utilizing fresh-squeezed lemons or oranges, can cut through the mac and cheese’s richness, providing a delightful balance.

2. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: The earthiness of asparagus roasted with garlic and a sprinkle of salt and pepper complements the dish without overpowering it.

3. Grilled Lemon Artichokes: Slightly tangy and slightly smoky, these grilled lemon artichokes offer a refreshing flavor that fits in perfectly beside your Lobster Mac and Cheese, providing a complementary flavor profile.

4. Sautéed Brussels sprouts with Bacon: The sweetness of lightly caramelized Brussels sprouts, paired with the savory crunch of Bacon, offers distinct flavor and texture to contrast the smooth, creamy mac and cheese.

5. Freshly Baked Baguette: If you’re in the mood for some extra carbs (and, honestly, who isn’t?), a warm, crisp baguette goes excellently with Lobster Mac and Cheese, especially for sopping up any leftover cheese sauce.

6. White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with notes of citrus perfectly complements the creamy, rich lobster mac and cheese. The wine’s acidity acts as a palate cleanser, preventing the mac and cheese from overwhelming your senses.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making the Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese, you might need ingredient substitutes for various reasons. Whether due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference, here are some alternatives that you can use:

Lobster Substitutes

• Crabmeat: A rich and sweet alternative with a similar seafood profile.
• Shrimp: Cooked and chopped, a less expensive yet still delightful option.
• Crawfish: A touch of the south that maintains the seafood integrity of the dish.
• Langostinos: Often used as a lobster alternative due to their similar taste and texture.

Cheese Sauce Substitutes:

• Butter Substitute: Use margarine or a vegan alternative for dairy-free options.
• Flour Substitute: Opt for gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch as a thickening agent for gluten-free cuisine.
• Milk Substitute: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk can be used instead of whole milk.
• Heavy Cream Substitute: Full-fat coconut milk can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free sauce.
• Cheese Substitute: There are many lactose-free cheeses or vegan cheese options like nutritional yeast for a lactose-intolerant variant.

Pasta Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Pasta: A variety of gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, quinoa, or legumes can accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable Pasta: Spiralized vegetables like zucchini or squash provide a low-carb, gluten-free option.

Bread Crumb Topping Substitutes:

• Panko Substitute: Gluten-free panko crumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or almond meal can provide a crunchy gluten-free topping.
• Butter Substitute in Topping: Olive oil or a vegan butter substitute can bind the topping.
• Parmesan Cheese Substitute: Nutritional yeast or hard vegan cheese, grated, can replace Parmesan for those avoiding dairy.

Optional Garnish Substitutes:

• Parsley Substitute: If parsley isn’t available or isn’t your favorite, consider using chives for a subtle onion flavor or basil for a peppery note.

Final Thoughts

Indulge in this homemade version of Capital Grille’s Lobster Mac and Cheese and savor the perfect blend of luxury and comfort in every bite. Enjoy the journey through this recipe and make your kitchen a gourmet haven.

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