Vegetarian Lobster Mac & Cheese

Dive into the indulgent comfort of *Vegetarian Lobster Mac & Cheese*, a creative twist on the classic dish that’s perfect for plant-based eaters craving bold flavor. This decadent baked mac and cheese swaps traditional lobster for meaty, umami-rich lobster mushrooms, which are sautéed to golden perfection before being folded into creamy, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Topped with a golden crust of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, this dish delivers the perfect blend of earthy richness and cheesy goodness. With its gourmet flavors and stunning presentation, it’s sure to impress at weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve up this vegetarian masterpiece, and enjoy the taste of luxury—no seafood required.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 8 ounces Lobster mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Clean and slice the lobster mushrooms. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 6-8 minutes until they are golden and tender. Set aside.

Step 4

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, lobster mushrooms, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, and stir until evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1675.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3552.2

Total Fat 206.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 109.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 566.5mg	0%
Sodium 5626.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 46.1g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 400.8IU	0%
Calcium 3852.5mg	0%
Iron 14.8mg	0%
Potassium 2248.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.0%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 29.7%