Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is Known for their exceptional steaks and elegant ambiance, Ruth’s Chris has been a staple in upscale dining since 1965. With over 150 locations worldwide, this iconic restaurant continues to serve mouthwatering dishes that leave customers coming back for more.
One of the standout menu items at Ruth’s Chris is their Lobster Mac and Cheese. This indulgent side dish features creamy macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce, chunks of succulent lobster meat, and a crispy parmesan crust.
If you want to recreate this delicious dish at home, read on for our step-by-step instructions. Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in, this Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese is sure to impress.
Want more mac and cheese recipes? Check these:
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What is Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese?
Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese is a rich and decadent dish that combines the classic comfort food of mac and cheese with the indulgence of lobster. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
This signature side dish at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has become a fan favorite, loved by both seafood lovers and mac and cheese enthusiasts alike.
The dish is made with al dente macaroni noodles, succulent grilled lobster tails, and a creamy cheese sauce that is infused with hints of garlic and nutmeg.
Topped with a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese, this dish is baked to perfection in the oven, creating a crispy crust that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese?
One of the main reasons to love Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese is its indulgent combination of creamy mac and cheese with succulent lobster. This dish elevates a simple comfort food into an upscale, gourmet meal that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. While it may seem like a fancy and complicated recipe, it is actually quite simple to make at home. Plus, you can easily customize the dish by adding your own twist with different types of cheese or protein substitutions such as shrimp or crab meat.
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Ingredients
- Gruyere cheese: This type of cheese gives the mac and cheese a rich, nutty flavor.
- Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape is perfect for holding onto all the cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar adds a sharpness and creaminess to the dish.
- Lobster tails: The star ingredient in this recipe, adds a luxurious seafood element to the mac and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: Another type of cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Mustard powder (optional): A secret ingredient that adds a tangy kick to the mac and cheese.
- Whole milk: This is used as the base for the creamy sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Garlic powder: For a hint of savory and earthy flavor.
- Nutmeg (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Flour: Used for thickening the sauce.
- Salt: A key ingredient to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Pepper: To taste, for added seasoning.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Cook the pasta
- Begin by cooking 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente (firm but not too hard).
- Once cooked, drain and set aside until needed.
Step 2
Prepare the lobster tails
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the lobster tails on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool. Then chop the lobster into small pieces and set aside until needed.
Step 3
Make the cheese sauce
- In a large pot, melt 1 stick of butter on medium heat.
- Once melted, add in 6 tablespoons of flour and whisk it until combined nicely.
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of whole milk, while continuously whisking, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and nutmeg (if using), along with 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add in 4 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, while whisking constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes so smooth.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4
Assemble the dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped lobster tails, and 1 cup of shredded gruyere cheese.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and mix until everything is well coated.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in half of the mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining mac and cheese mixture on top and sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 5
Bake and serve
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven with the rest of the ingredients.
- For a more indulgent dish, add some crispy bacon pieces to the mac and cheese mixture before baking.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese such as fontina or gruyere for added flavor and creaminess.
- To make this dish even more budget-friendly, you can substitute the lobster with shrimp or crab meat.
Nutrition Information
How to store Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese?
If you happen to have any leftovers, Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.
However, we recommend enjoying this dish fresh from the oven for optimal taste and texture. The crispy crust may become soggy when reheated.
If storing for longer periods, consider freezing the dish instead. Simply wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What other substitute can I use for Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese?
- If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the lobster with roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers. These vegetables will add a delicious crunch and flavor to the dish. You can also try using tofu or tempeh as protein substitutes for a vegan alternative.
- For those who have dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free. Dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk and vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free version of Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese.
- If seafood is not your thing, you can try using pieces of cooked chicken or even chopped sautéed mushrooms in place of the lobster. Get creative and experiment with different protein options to make this dish your own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta cooked
- 5 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded and divided
- 4 lobster tails cooked and chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp mustard powder optional
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 stick butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp nutmeg optional
- 6 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cooking 1 pound of elbow macaroni until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm, but not too hard.
- Heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the lobster tails on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. The shells should turn a bright red color and the meat inside should become opaque.
- While the lobster is cooking, melt a stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in flour and whisk until well combined. Slowly pour in whole milk while continuously whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in garlic powder, nutmeg (if desired), and salt to the sauce, stirring until well combined. Gradually add in freshly shredded cheddar cheese and whisk constantly until melted. Set the cheese sauce aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chopped lobster tails, and shredded gruyere cheese. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until each ingredient is well coated. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in half of the mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Layer the remaining mac and cheese mixture on top, followed by more parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving hot and savoring every bite of your homemade Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven with the rest of the ingredients.
- For a more indulgent dish, add some crispy bacon pieces to the mac and cheese mixture before baking.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese such as fontina or gruyere for added flavor and creaminess.
- To make this dish even more budget-friendly, you can substitute the lobster with shrimp or crab meat.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time since the ingredients will be cold.
What sides go well with Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables as side dishes. You can also serve it alongside a protein such as grilled chicken or steak for a more complete meal.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails for this dish. Just make sure to thaw them completely before grilling and chopping them up. Frozen cooked lobster meat can also be used as a time-saving alternative.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
While it is possible to make mac and cheese in a slow cooker, we recommend following the steps outlined in this recipe for best results. Slow cookers may not provide the same level of crispiness and texture that an oven does.
Conclusion
Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of Ruth’s Chris Lobster Mac and Cheese in the comfort of your own home. With its delicious combination of tender lobster, gooey cheese sauce, and crispy crust, this dish is sure to become a favorite for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Thank you for reading this article. Make sure to share this with your friends and family so they can enjoy this indulgent dish too.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more