Indulge in the creamy decadence of Vegetarian Lobster Mac and Cheese, a meat-free twist on a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe pairs tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from cheddar and Gruyere, perfectly seasoned with hints of paprika and mustard powder for added depth. The star of the dish is the succulent vegetarian lobster-style meat, which mimics the luxurious bite of seafood while keeping the dish plant-friendly. Finished with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping and a sprinkling of fresh chives, this oven-baked masterpiece offers the ideal combination of flavors and textures. Whether youβre catering to vegetarian guests or simply craving a creative mac and cheese upgrade, this dish promises a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. Keywords: vegetarian lobster mac and cheese, plant-based comfort food, cheesy baked pasta recipe.
Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese to the saucepan, reserving a handful of cheddar for topping. Stir until the cheese has completely melted.
Stir in the mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the cheese sauce.
Fold the cooked macaroni and vegetarian lobster-style meat into the cheese sauce gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni mixture to a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix until coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni in the baking dish.
Top with the reserved cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Calories |
3925 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.7 g | 241% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.1 g | 496% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 497 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 6780 mg | 295% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 377.3 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.7 g | ||
| Protein | 186.9 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.2 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 3400 mg | 262% | |
| Iron | 21.2 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 1434 mg | 31% | |
*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.