Today I’m teaming up with Oklahoma Joe’s to make this insane Grilled Steak with Lobster Mac & Cheese on their charcoal grill called the Judge. I grabbed some filets and grilled them up over the fire, then homemade some macaroni and cheese that was gooey and delicious. Finally, I added in the cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese and served this masterpiece.
If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, this is the best pasta dish for you. Seafood mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but a bit elevated with the lobster, that all your guests will love! All you need is 15 minutes of prep and one and a half hours of cooking time and you’ll be ready to serve up to three people.
Lobster mac and cheese is truly a decadent dish The combination of tender, sweet lobster meat, gooey melted cheese, and chewy pasta makes for an indulgent comfort food like no other But a rich dish like lobster mac and cheese needs the right complementary sides and appetizers to create a well-rounded meal.
In this article we’ll explore 10 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with lobster mac and cheese. Whether you’re looking for a crisp green salad, hearty roasted veggies or even seafood appetizers, these recipes will take your lobster mac dinner to the next level!
Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong pairing lobster mac and cheese with classic garlic bread. The sharp garlic flavor and crisp toasted bread are perfect for dipping into that creamy cheesy sauce. Opt for individual rolls thick baguette slices, or even cheesy pull-apart garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the pasta beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a hearty veggie pairing, Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper are delicious. The caramelized sprouts have a deep, nutty flavor that stands up well to the rich lobster mac. Toss in some crumbled bacon as well for extra decadence. The crisp and lightly charred sprouts make a tasty textural contrast too.
Tomato Basil Salad
A fresh tomato and mozzarella salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a lovely light pairing. The juicy tomato, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil are classic complements to seafood dishes. The acidity and brightness of the tomato help cut through the heavy pasta.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash, whether roasted, mashed, or pureed into a soup, adds a touch of natural sweetness. Its creamy, nutty flavor and texture pair wonderfully with the salty lobster and cheese in the pasta. It adds a comforting, fall-like element as well.
Grilled Asparagus
The slight char and crisp-tender texture of grilled asparagus spears make them a fantastic pairing. The earthy, bitterness of asparagus balances the rich lobster mac beautifully. The pop of green color brightens up the plate too. Lemon wedges for squeezing over the top add extra flavor.
Garlicky Green Beans
Sauteed green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic offer brightness and crunch. The squeaky-crisp beans and punchy garlic flavors cut through the creamy pasta perfectly. Season them boldly as the beans stand up well against the strongly-flavored lobster dish.
Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob slathered with butter can’t be beat alongside lobster mac. The charred kernels popping with sweetness and smoky grilled flavor contrast the rich cheesy pasta wonderfully. Let guests peel and bite into the sweet corn with their hands for casual fun.
Seafood Appetizers
Before the main event, whet appetites with seafood starters that complement the lobster theme:
- Lobster Bisque – A rich, creamy, intensely lobster-flavored soup
- Baked Oysters – Topped with spinach, bacon, and cheese
- Seared Scallops – In a lemon caper butter sauce
- Crab Cakes – With spicy aioli for dipping
Crisp Green Salad
For a lighter starter, a bright green salad in a refreshing vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Crisp lettuces, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs make a tasty medley. Top with mandarin oranges or berries for extra flavor and color.
Warm Rolls
Round out the meal with freshly baked rolls or breadsticks to soak up all that delicious cheesy lobster sauce. Soft warm yeast rolls, crispy baguettes, or cheesy breadsticks are all great options. Serve them in a basket family-style for guests to enjoy.
With one or more of these tasty sides and starters, your lobster mac and cheese will be transformed into a complete, balanced meal. The variety of flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods makes for an exciting culinary experience. So put together a delicious lobster mac dinner with the perfect pairings!
How to Make the Best Lobster Mac and Cheese
Start out by preheating a medium-high heat grill for direct cooking (about 325F).
Also, carefully preheat a skillet/dutch oven over the hot fire. Add a little oil and saute your minced garlic for 2-3 minutes. After the garlic has browned, deglaze the skillet with white wine and stir in the butter, dijon mustard, seafood seasoning, and flour.
Once the flour mixture is mixed and starting to bubble, add ½ of the milk and whisk together.
When the milk mixture has thickened, add the cheese (save ⅓ cup for garnish) and begin stirring. Finally, add the leftover milk until you have reached your desired consistency for the creamy cheese sauce.
Once ready, fold into the cheese the cooked macaroni noodles and the chunks of lobster meat. Pull the skillet off the heat and keep warm.
Begin by adding oil to your steaks and then generously seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Then, preheat a high heat grill for direct cooking (about 400F).
Next, add the steaks to the grill to cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they are 120F. Once they are cooked, pull them off and let them rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Serve with a heaping amount of mac & cheese on top. I also garnished the mac and cheese with some shredded cheese that I broiled on top! Lastly, sprinkle some parsley on top and dig in!
I highly recommend using the Oklahoma Joe’s Judge to get the power needed to cook advanced recipes like this one. It’s a charcoal grill that’s extremely versatile and absolutely never misses!
Make sure to add the cheese (for the lobster mac and cheese) a little bit at a time to avoid issues with it melting.
If you’d like to prepare a bit ahead of time, you could cook up your macaroni noodles and season your steaks earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Then, pull them out when you’re ready to cook!
More on Surf and Turf
For this delicious meal, you’ll start out with 3 filet mignons seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and canola oil.
That will bring you to the star of the show, some delicious homemade lobster mac and cheese. First, you’ll need to cook up some elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water to prepare.
Then, you’ll combine your cooked macaroni noodles with cooked lobster tail meat, whole milk, melted butter, all purpose flour, minced garlic, dijon mustard, white wine, seafood seasoning, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded gouda cheese, and chopped parsley. There’s lots of ingredients here, but it’s a simple toss and mix recipe so have no fear!
Ina Garten’s Creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe | Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro | Food Network
FAQ
What is a good side dish for Lobster Mac and Cheese?
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Salads:Arugula salad, mixed greens, or a Caesar salad with a lighter dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy mac and cheese.
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Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:Steamed green beans, sauteed asparagus, or roasted brussels sprouts are good choices for balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.
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Coleslaw:A lighter coleslaw, perhaps with a yogurt-based dressing instead of mayo, can be a refreshing and flavorful side.
What dishes go well with mac and cheese?
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: The richness of the mac and cheese complements the savory flavors of grilled protein.
- Meatloaf, Salisbury Steak, or Burgers: Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food pairing with hearty meat dishes.
- Roasted Sausage and Butternut Squash: The roasted flavors and textures of the sausage and squash work well with the creamy mac and cheese.
What goes well with lobster as a side dish?
- Mac and Cheese. Mac and cheese is a popular lobster side because it’s filling, buttery, and complements the delicate lobster flavor. …
- Pasta Salad. …
- Cheesy Biscuits.
Is Lobster Mac and Cheese a main dish?
Ultimate Lobster Mac and Cheese is a delicious cheesy baked pasta recipe featuring an indulgent 4 cheese sauce, chunks of tender fresh lobster, al dente pasta and baked until golden brown to create the most delicious comforting dish! It’s the perfect main course or side dish that everyone will love!