If you’re a fan of comfort food, Ruth Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese is a treat you won’t want to miss. This dish combines rich, creamy cheese sauce with tender lobster pieces, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
Making this recipe at home is easier than you might think, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
What I love about this lobster mac and cheese recipe is that it requires simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The creamy base is made from a mixture of milk, Parmesan, and sharp Cheddar cheese, giving it a deep, savory flavor. Paired with succulent lobster, it’s a dish that’s luxurious yet accessible.
Once you’ve preheated your oven and cooked the lobster, the rest comes together quickly. Whisking the butter, flour, and milk mixture until smooth, then adding cheese, ensures the sauce is perfectly creamy. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake to golden perfection.
Key Takeaways
- Ruth Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese combines cheese and lobster for a flavorful dish.
- The recipe uses common kitchen ingredients like milk, Parmesan, and Cheddar cheese.
- Baking the mixture yields a creamy, golden, and delicious dish.
Essential Ingredients
When making Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese, gathering the right ingredients is key. This ensures that your dish is just as delicious as it is in the restaurant.
Cheeses
You’ll need a mix of cheeses to create a rich and creamy sauce. My favorite combination includes:
- 3/4 cup of shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere Cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Dairy
Using fresh dairy products makes the sauce smooth and velvety.
- 2 cups of Whole Milk
- 1 cup of Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup of Unsalted Butter
Pasta
Choose pasta that holds the sauce well.
- 1 pound of Elbow Macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
Seafood
For the star ingredient, make sure to get quality seafood.
- 1-2 Lobster Tails, cooked and chopped
Seasonings
These enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- A pinch of Nutmeg (optional)
Other Essentials
These ingredients help bring everything together.
- 1/4 cup of All-Purpose Flour (to thicken the sauce)
- Olive Oil (for cooking the lobster if you prefer not to boil)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for topping before baking)
By using these items, I can make a truly amazing mac and cheese that’s perfect for special occasions or just a delightful meal at home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
You’re going to love making Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese. We’ll start by getting the lobster ready, crafting a melted cheese sauce, mixing it with pasta, and finally baking it to perfection.
Preparing the Lobster
First, let’s prep the lobster. I like to use fresh lobster tails, but you can also use pre-cooked lobster meat. If you’re starting with raw tails, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re bright red and fully cooked. Remove them from the boiling water and let them cool.
Next, crack open the shells and remove the meat. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked lobster, make sure to chop it evenly to match the pasta size. Prepping the lobster ahead of time ensures it’s ready to mix in once the cheese sauce and pasta are done.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a medium pot over low heat. Once melted, stir in an equal amount of flour to create a roux. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it gets a light golden color.
Slowly add heavy cream to the pot, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. When the mixture is smooth and bubbly, add in grated Parmesan and shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If you like a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Combining Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. I prefer cavatappi or penne for their shape and texture.
Boil a pot of salted water, add your pasta, and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta. Stir until all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Gently fold in the prepared lobster chunks. Make sure the lobster is evenly distributed to ensure every bite is delightful.
Baking the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For an extra crunch, top it with panko breadcrumbs.
Melt some butter and mix it with the panko for a golden, crispy topping. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ruth Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese Copycat
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes30
minutesCreamy cheese, tender lobster, and pasta perfection await. A gourmet delight that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Lobster Mac and Cheese:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
For the Topping:
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Combine and Add Lobster:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped lobster meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley (if using).
- Bake:
- Transfer the lobster mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s everything you need to know about making Ruth’s Chris lobster mac and cheese at home, including ingredients, calories, price, and why it’s so special.
How can I recreate Ruth’s Chris lobster mac and cheese at home?
To make this dish at home, start by pre-heating the oven to 375°F. Then, grease a casserole dish, cook pasta, and prepare the cheese sauce with flour, butter, and milk. Add cheeses, then mix with pasta. Finally, stir in cooked lobster meat and bake.
What are the ingredients used in Ruth’s Chris steakhouse lobster mac and cheese?
The main ingredients are elbow pasta, butter, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese, and cooked lobster meat. Additional ingredients might include bread crumbs for topping, salt, pepper, and sometimes Gruyère cheese for added flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of lobster mac and cheese from Ruth’s Chris?
A serving typically contains around 800-1200 calories. This number can vary depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used, particularly the types and amounts of cheeses and lobster.
What is the price range for the lobster mac and cheese at Ruth’s Chris?
The lobster mac and cheese at Ruth’s Chris generally costs between $20 and $30 per serving, varying slightly depending on the location and any additional ingredients or portions added.
Can you provide a simplified version of the Ruth’s Chris lobster mac and cheese recipe?
Sure! Boil 1 pound of elbow pasta. Make a cheese sauce by melting 1/4 cup butter, adding 1/4 cup flour, and whisking in 2 cups milk. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan and 3/4 cup sharp Cheddar. Combine with pasta and 1 cup cooked lobster meat. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Why is the Ruth’s Chris lobster mac and cheese considered a delicacy?
This dish combines rich, creamy cheese sauce with tender lobster meat, giving it a luxurious taste. The blend of Parmesan and sharp Cheddar adds depth, making it more than just a comfort food.
Its indulgent ingredients and careful preparation contribute to its reputation as a high-end specialty dish.