Lobster Mac and Cheese with Bacon Bread Crumbs

Lobster mac and cheese is one of my favorite dishes, especially for special occasions. A creamy layer of cheese and a small amount of lobster meat, covered with more cheese and crispy bacon. Mmm. Sounds good!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cavatappi macaroni pasta
• 1 lb cooked lobster meat
• 1/4 lb hickory bacon reserve
• 2 Tablespoons of bacon fat after cooking
• 5 Tablespoon butter salted
• 2/3 cup of Italian bread crumbs
• 2 cups half & half
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 Monterey jack cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup muenster cheese shredded
• 1 1/2 sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt & Pepper for taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook until the bacon is nice and crunchy.
2. When the bacon is done, take 2 tbsp of the evaporated fat and combine it with 3 tbsp of butter in a pan.
3. Preheat the pan to medium-high heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour once the bacon fat and butter have started to crackle.
4. Pour in the half-and-half and evaporated milk after that.
5. Now we’ll add the sour cream and mix everything together. Stir in the smoked gouda and muenster, shredded or cubed. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Reduce the heat to a low setting.
7. Taste the sauce and season with as much salt and pepper as you think it needs.
8. Prepare your pasta now. Simply follow the instructions on the package or box’s back.
9. Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the sauce as soon as it’s done.
10. Stir until everything is well incorporated, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes.
11. In a food processor, combine the cooked bacon, bread crumbs, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Pulse until the bacon and crumbs are the consistency of sand.
12. Return the lobster to the mac and cheese pan, along with 2 tablespoons of the bacon bread crumbs. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
13. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
14. Combine the Monterey and cheddar cheeses in a mixing bowl.
15. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and pour half of the lobster mac and cheese onto it.
16. On top of the macaroni and cheese, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Monterey jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
17. Fill the baking dish with the leftover mac and cheese and top with the remaining cheese.
18. On top of the mac and cheese, sprinkle 1/4-1/2 cup bacon bread crumbs.
19. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, uncovered.
20. Allow cooling for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

Optional: Garnish the lobster macaroni and cheese with fresh parsley.