The Ultimate Mac & Cheese | Ruth's Chris Lobster Mac (and just as amazing without lobster)

Head to thrivemarket.co... to receive 30% off your first order + a free gift worth up to $60! PLUS save an additional 30% off thousands of products during Thrive Market's Cyber Sale now through December 2nd! Sign up today and take advantage of this once-a-year deal!
If you love creamy, indulgent mac & cheese, you’re going to flip for this Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac & Cheese! My wife’s absolute favorite dish (she orders it every time we go to Ruth’s Chris), this recipe combines tender lobster with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s perfect for seafood lovers and mac & cheese fans alike. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender lobster, but if seafood isn’t your thing, you can skip the lobster and still have an incredible mac & cheese thanks to the rich white cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese sauce.
I went through multiple attempts to get this right over several years and this is the closest I have ever tasted to getting it perfectly right! And it’s cheaper! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving something special, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress. Absolutely perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, let’s make it together and bring a little restaurant-quality magic to your table!
1/2 lb Cavatappi (or corkscrew) pasta
1 6oz package Gruyère cheese shredded
1 6 oz package of fresh Parmesan shredded
1 8 oz sharp white cheddar shredded
1 8 oz mild cheddar shredded (
2 1/2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/2-3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2-4 lobster tails (depending on how much lobster you like)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the lobster tails: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your lobster tails. If you have a favorite way to cook lobster, feel free to use it! I prefer steaming because it retains so much of the natural sweetness. Steam the lobster tails for about 1 minute per ounce, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. Immediately place the cooked tails in an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, remove the meat from the shells, roughly chop it, and set it aside.
4. Make the roux: In a small pot, melt over medium heat until bubbly, around 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir constantly for 2-4 minutes, until the roux becomes frothy and has a nutty aroma. Add in mustard powder and garlic powder but save salt until after the Parmesan.
5. Prepare the cheese sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream followed by 1/4 cup milk, increase milk if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and gradually add Parmesan stirring until fully melted. Repeat with the Gruyère and white sharp cheddar. Make sure each handful melts before adding more. I generally add around 3/4 of all cheese into the roux and 1/4-1/2 of the yellow cheddar, then I mix remaining cheese for topping later.
6. Add milk if needed and if you must use heat keep stirring constantly at as low a temperature as possible. Add salt to taste.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: fold in the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
8. Assemble the dish: Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan (or oven-safe dish that will fit it all) with butter. Pour in the pasta and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the chopped lobster meat evenly on top, then top with the remaining cheddar cheeses. You can leave a few large pieces of lobster visible above the cheese. For extra creaminess, add in and additional 1/3 or so cup of milk over everything before popping in oven!
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Optional Tip: To make a non-seafood version, simply omit the lobster. The creamy blend of white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses ensures this dish will still be irresistible! You can also top with chives (Whitney doesn’t like but I think they add a hint of flavor as well as visually) or if you prefer, add some breadcrumbs!
#macncheese #macaroni #lobster #christmasrecipe #christmasrecipes #cooking #food #foodie #restaurant #restaurantstyle #steakhouse #recipe #familymeals #fancyfood #comfortfood #cookingdad #foodlover

[@sabrinacampbell9226]

It still amazes me when I see any Bates eat seafood

[@bowed305]

Why?

[@Thebateskitchen]

Most of my fam won’t eat this, but we are getting some of them to try it!

[@sabrinacampbell9226]

@Thebateskitchen I know a few of them have tried seafood and eat it since they have gotten married and have spouses that eat it. I just remember on the show not one of your siblings liked seafood but your dad did

[@cynthiabarba-bey3523]

Yes I see Carlin is eating crab legs now lol hopefully she will try this as well!!

[@sabrinacampbell9226]

@cynthiabarba-bey3523 I've seen Lawson eat salmon and other things, and I think Carlin eats shrimp too, but I could be wrong

[@bowed305]

Your joy while cooking is contagious. Not contagious enough to make me want to cook at your level, but I do enjoy watching you do what you do.

[@Thebateskitchen]

I can say if I didn’t love it I wouldn’t do it! But I only cook the easy recipes! The great thing with this one is you can do it in sections! You don’t even have to do it all at once!

[@paulasaxon6238]

@@Thebateskitchen. I think I commented before that in my old age I’ve developed a dairy allergy. One of the things I miss the most is mac & cheese. I wonder how vegan cheese would taste?! Probably gross.

[@Thebateskitchen]

You’re probably right, the cheese is kind of a delicate blend, I’ve tried other cheeses and they didn’t work as well as I’d wished. Also, there is a lot of milk and cream 😬

[@paulasaxon6238]

@ So sad for me.

[@Teresa-Q]

Wow!!! Yum. Going to love this one. Thanks Zack ♥️♥️♥️

[@Thebateskitchen]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!

[@Beachgirl619]

Zach, I think I speak for a few of us that we would love to see you and Mama Bates make Scripture Cake. Such a great way to introduce the little ones to Scripture and what a sweet time together it would be. 🙏😇

[@Thebateskitchen]

I’ve never heard of it!

[@papaapple93]

The Bates family are seriously some of the best cooks and cause us all to want to happily make a book of all the delicious and delectable recipes to never have a shortage of incredible ideas to bring to the dinner table

[@Thebateskitchen]

Well we show our favorite meals but we’ve all cooked plenty of duds! So glad you’re enjoying these though!

[@TheRealBigT1984]

Made this last week, it was pretty good. I made the cheese sauce a little too liquidy, but wanted to error on the liquid vs. dry side. I steamed the lobster and used the steamy water to cook my pasta for extra flavor. I also added some nutmeg to my sauce because nutmeg just works with Mac & Cheese and I added a buttery panko topping!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Thebateskitchen]

Those are all great additions!!! Sounds amazing!

[@TheRealBigT1984]

@Thebateskitchen thanks! I had been searching for a good Lobster Mac recipe for a while and yours was by far the most direct. I may experiment with Comte Cheese next time, it's amazing.

[@lawbates]

Bro! This looks incredible!

[@Thebateskitchen]

You should make this for tiffys family, they would love!

[@johnensminger7675]

Now that's a "Must Try"!! I wish I had the time to make all these recipes!! Do you have a cook book out yet!? Love that seafood! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@Thebateskitchen]

Definitely a must try! I don’t but maybe one day!

[@pnewc8588]

I’m getting those ingredients this week - wow thanks for the recipe ☺️

[@Thebateskitchen]

You are gonna love it! Can’t wait to hear about it!

[@pnewc8588]

@ the husband said I outdid myself! Thanks so much for this recipe 🥰

[@joannbowers3180]

That looks delicious! A little extra cheese never hurts and yours looks so incredible! Another great video! Thank you.

[@Thebateskitchen]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@tanyalamb5946]

Always love your recipes, Zach. Thank you so much!

[@Thebateskitchen]

Glad you're enjoying the channel! I love sharing these!

[@vickymosser5542]

Wow Zach...that looks amazing...gotta share this with everyone they're gonna love it...perfect for this time of year❤

[@Thebateskitchen]

It’s going to be a hit!

[@brendatate8986]

We love lobster 🦞 yum! I’ll have to try it in the Mac and cheese. Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

[@Thebateskitchen]

You won't regret it! It’s amazing

[@pamelabell5897]

I'm Going To Try This Mac And Cheese 🧀 With The Lobster Zack It Looks So Delicious Thank You For Sharing All Your Recipes .

[@Thebateskitchen]

You are gonna love it!!!

[@marianne362]

Another delicious recipe!

[@Thebateskitchen]

It’s so good!

[@stephaniecain6310]

Adding this to our Christmas Dinner menu.

[@Thebateskitchen]

Your Christmas dinner is gonna be one for the books!

[@roisegolden6459]

Allright Zach I haven’t seen one recipe yet that I don’t want to try lol! You need to cook at the next cash and carry!!! No more food truck just have Bates Kitchen cooking!!! I would definitely take another trip from Florida up for that!

[@Thebateskitchen]

That would be crazy! I’d love to try it sometime. Don’t know that I have the confidence to cook for that many people at once though! I like cooking for small groups!

[@roisegolden6459]

@ I have faith in you!!! You could do it!!!

[@jamiehigh924]

Looks delicious! I might try it, I've made shrimp mac n cheese and seasoned the shrimp with garlic, butter & Old Bay seasoning. That seasoning combo takes the mac n cheese to a whole new level.

[@Thebateskitchen]

I do this with my chicken Alfredo recipe! Substitute the chicken for shrimp, and the old bay and garlic butter take the Alfredo sauce to a whole new level! I haven’t tried it with Mac though!

[@jamiehigh924]

Woa, I mean get try that too!

[@marsihopkins1995]

This is the best looking Mac and cheese I’ve seen . I love lobster. Good job Zach

[@Thebateskitchen]

It’s the best tasting I’ve ever had!

[@cynthiabarba-bey3523]

Wowwww two back to back videos and this mac And cheese looks so good definitely have to try this.

[@Thebateskitchen]

Love getting to share my holiday cooking!!!

[@elizabethtomory7193]

Oh my goodness!!! This looks amazing!!! I have made your Alfredo recipe and Short Rib recipe and they both are phenomenal!!! I can't wait to try this recipe. We are lobster lovers!! I look forward to your videos. Thank you for all of your delicious recipes!!! You are such a good teacher. God bless!!

[@Thebateskitchen]

I’m so glad you are enjoying these!!! You picked two of my personal favorites to try and I will say, this one won’t let you down!

[@CoBeau29]

Oh my goodness.. been wanting to try lobster mac and cheese for the longest time. Thank you zach for sharing this recipe! Can't wait till you put out your cookbook one day! (Hint Hint) 😍💛

[@Thebateskitchen]

You are going to love this so much! Eat it as a main dish with a salad, or pair it with a nice NY strip or bone in Ribeye! You won’t be dissapointed!

[@CoBeau29]

@@Thebateskitchen thank you for the tip! 😊👍🏻

[@lagaluska]

HOLY WOW!!!!! That looks amazing!! Def. going to give this one a try!!!!! Thanks for doing this video!

[@Thebateskitchen]

I'm confident you won't be disappointed!

[@michelesusanne1]

Haaa, Your humor always delivers! "First Try.....ish" 😂 with the cheese ball. Lobster Mac and Cheese is definitely going on our New Year's menu! My favorite part is, at the end, the Bates Bite 🏆 😋

[@Thebateskitchen]

We had a great time with this one!!! So glad you enjoyed it! And I promise the lobster Mac will not let you down!

[@juicie25bt]

Hahaha my dad used to say, can't beat that with a stick. We need a cookbook, yuuummmm 😋🦞

[@Thebateskitchen]

Your dad sounds like a great guy! I’m seriously considering I think we might be getting ready to do something like that sometime!

[@angelalong4573]

Ok. I’m going to have to try this!

[@Thebateskitchen]

You will thank yourself if you do!

[@kthornton6323]

Zach, it looks and sounds delicious! I have to try it. Thanks

[@Thebateskitchen]

I think you will love it!

[@kathylezcano8793]

ZACH looks delicious. I have to Make it thank you for sharing Zach❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Thebateskitchen]

You’re gonna love it!

[@sashabillingsley7797]

Ok! I have to try this!

[@Thebateskitchen]

You’re gonna love it!

[@kristaseyler654]

Oohhh yummy 😋 that looks so amazing there sir !!! Crazy my husband and I were just talking about lobster and your video literally just popped up !!! We made blts with pepper cheese and banana peppers and chicken enchilada soup yum 😋

[@Thebateskitchen]

Your phone understood the assignment😂

[@kristaseyler654]

@Thebateskitchen yes exactly i never miss a video ✨️☃️

[@kristaseyler654]

@Thebateskitchen how bout starting a catering business with the family !!!

[@honeyk4551]

@@Thebateskitchen😂

[@patticolwell7846]

If you're taking recipe suggestions - Can you add Ruth's Chris peas au gratin. This dish is not on the menu at every location but we love it. Never really been able to recreate it exactly. Thanks.

[@Thebateskitchen]

I don’t think I have seen that one on our menu, or any of the ones I have stopped at! All of the Ruth Chris restaurants have a couple items that are house specials, and I generally will try them if I am at one that is not Local! Maybe I’ll come across one with the peas soon!

[@nickieellison190]

I love anything you cook

[@Thebateskitchen]

I’ve cooked some duds, but I promise not to share them 😂 🤣

[@janetkt-ut]

I have a hard time cooking cheese sauces - they tend to clump. Thank you for the tips. Looks very yummy. 😋

[@Thebateskitchen]

Add the cheese in small batches, slower than you think you need to! Cut the heat, and don’t be afraid to add more milk to thin out if it starts thickening too much!

[@janetkt-ut]

@ does it matter what size of grater you use (fine shreds etc?) thank you so much!!

[@Thebateskitchen]

With the Parmesan I like it grated very fine, but overall it will work with any size grating

[@Beachgirl619]

Well...... There goes my diet lol 😂😂 ZACH!!!! You make the yummiest recipes!!! Im on my way to the store now.... thanks very much😂😂 Gonna put Christmas music 🎵 🎶 on while i'm cooking tonite👩‍🍳 🦞

[@Thebateskitchen]

We can all diet after the new year!!! This is worth it 😂 so glad you enjoy these!

[@alisonmccorkle]

Great job 🎉Mac and cheese rock

[@Thebateskitchen]

It's definitely one of my favorites!

[@kristyfowler1974]

Zach that Mac and cheese looks absolutely delicious ❤

[@Thebateskitchen]

Wait til you taste it!

[@kayloubritton1110]

That looks so yummy!

[@Thebateskitchen]

It’s at the top of my favorites list!

[@ThriveMarket]

💚

[@brendawilder1379]

Nailed it❣️

[@Thebateskitchen]

😂 it’s true!!

[@teresaschneider6726]

Can I use shrimp? Thank you for the video. Have a nice day. 😊

[@Thebateskitchen]

You can absolutely use shrimp!

[@teresaschneider6726]

@@Thebateskitchen Thank you for getting back with me, I really appreciate it. 🙂👍

[@Nunyabusiness82777]

Oh my word! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Thebateskitchen]

You are gonna love this so much

[@lesliehaygood4938]

Very delicious

[@Thebateskitchen]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@theresamtaylor7244]

Help, Zack!!!!! I watched your video but the question is did you use 1/3 of a cup of milk before you put it in the oven? I wanna make this, but I’m nervous about it!!!!

[@Thebateskitchen]

Yes! The recipe is in the description!

[@mrsta1267]

Yum!

[@Thebateskitchen]

🤤😋

[@millertammy1]

This must be one of those dishes that your mom would call fancy lol. I love a good homemade mac and cheese and this looks so good. I would have to make it without the lobster just because it is a little too pricey for my wallet, but it does look good.

[@Thebateskitchen]

Mom would call it fancy, and she would also do it without lobster, but bec she doesn’t do seafood! If you leave off the lobster, toast and season some breadcrumbs with butter on the stovetop and sprinkle over for a bit of texture!!!

[@tinawilliams4490]

I'm not a big fan of Mac n cheese...but. That do look good. Great Job

[@Thebateskitchen]

We can’t all love everything!

[@diannebetzel4836]

Did Whitney get any of it? Lol saw you and some of the kids did. Hope she got some 😊

[@Thebateskitchen]

She did but she didn’t wanna be on camera… even though she was adorable 🥰

[@diannebetzel4836]

@Thebateskitchen oh good. I'm sure she looked beautiful ❤️

[@Thebateskitchen]

@@diannebetzel4836 she sure did!

[@johnensminger7675]

We should get together...I love cooking too!!

[@GraceJones-ml5in]

🙌🙌🙌

[@lynnburkard9096]

🤤🤤🤤

[@Thebateskitchen]

💯

[@amyberkey345]

Just before you said I hope I am pronouncing that right I said he didn’t pronounce that right.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Thebateskitchen]

lol 😂

[@susansmith6680]

Lobster and Mac and cheese, come on does it get any better? This is until Zach gives us another recipe.

[@Thebateskitchen]

It’s a bit more involved than mom’s but this is a showstopper!

[@cathiesindall6721]

Do you use old or extra old cheddar. I always make my cheese sauce with a double broiler. Going to try this over the holidays.

[@Thebateskitchen]

I use sharp and medium. I have made it with extra sharp but it took away a bit from the lobster and didn’t match Ruth’s Chris I felt