Lobster mac and cheese, a luxurious take on a comfort food classic, is a wonderfully indulgent dish. The combination of tender lobster, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta makes for a truly decadent meal.
But to round out this rich main dish, you need the perfect sides. Here are 16 delicious sides that beautifully complement lobster mac and cheese.
After lobster mac and cheese, the best sides to eat are butternut squash, grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, Brussels sprouts with bacon, cauliflower Parmesan, roasted garlic bread, green beans almondine, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, tomato soup, roasted root vegetables, and shrimp skewers on a stick.
Zucchini boats, which are zucchini halves that have been hollowed out and filled with different kinds of filling, are a lighter side dish that goes well with the rich lobster mac and cheese. Whether they’re filled with a simple tomato sauce, a cheesy mixture, or even a protein like ground beef, their mild flavor and tender texture make the creamy, savory main dish taste better.
With its ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, a caprese salad brings a light and zesty touch to the meal. Adding a tangy balsamic glaze on top of the rich mac and cheese cuts it down, and the salad’s bright flavors balance out the heavy main dish.
Butternut squash, whether roasted, mashed, or turned into a soup, adds a touch of sweetness to your meal. Its natural sweetness and nutty undertones go well with the salty lobster and cheese, and its velvety texture makes the dish more comforting, which goes well with the pasta.
Grilled asparagus, with its slight char and tender-crisp texture, brings a smoky note to your meal. The earthy, slightly bitter taste of the asparagus goes well with the rich, creamy mac and cheese, and its bright, vivid color makes the meal look better.
Sauteed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a great side for lobster mac and cheese. Their umami flavors go well with the main dish’s rich, creamy flavors and add a different kind of savory flavor that makes the whole meal better.
Lobster mac n cheese is the ultimate indulgent comfort food. The combination of tender chunks of lobster, gooey melted cheese, and chewy pasta makes for a truly decadent dish. But when planning your lobster mac n cheese dinner, you’ll want to think about what sides and drinks to serve alongside it to create a complete and balanced meal.
I’ve put together a list of 23 delicious pairings that complement lobster mac n cheese perfectly. From crisp salads to hearty roasted veggies to seafood appetizers there are plenty of options for rounding out your lobster mac meal.
Best Sides to Serve With Lobster Mac n Cheese
1. Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong pairing lobster mac n cheese with classic garlic bread. The sharp garlic flavor and crisp toasted bread are perfect for dipping into that cheesy sauce. Opt for individual rolls or thick baguette slices.
2. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli florets make a nice light side to balance the richness of the mac n cheese The bright green vegetable with a bit of crunch pairs well with the creamy pasta Toss the broccoli with a little lemon juice or melted butter.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier veggie pairing, roasted brussels sprouts caramelized with balsamic vinegar are delicious. The sweet and tangy sprouts stand up well to the lobster mac’s bold flavors. Toss in some crumbled bacon too for extra decadence.
4. Green Salad
A fresh green salad in a light vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the richness of lobster mac. Spinach, mixed greens, or arugula all work nicely. Top with mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, or toasted nuts for extra flavor.
5. Coleslaw
Creamy cool coleslaw is another great crunchy side for lobster mac. The sweet cabbage pairs well with the cheese sauce. Make it colorful with shredded carrots and red cabbage in the mix.
6. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob slathered with butter is the perfect accompaniment to lobster mac. The natural sweet corn kernels pop with flavor against the rich pasta.
7. Tomato Caprese Salad
For an easy no-cook side a caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a classic choice. The bright acidic tomatoes cut through the heavy mac n cheese nicely.
8. Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms lend an earthy, umami flavor that complements lobster mac wonderfully. Cook sliced cremini or white button mushrooms in butter and garlic for a delicious side dish.
9. Asparagus Spears
Grilled or roasted asparagus spears make an elegant and tasty side for lobster macaroni and cheese. The crisp-tender asparagus with a nice char are a great textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
10. Garlicky Green Beans
Fresh green beans sauteed with lots of garlic and olive oil are amazing alongside lobster mac n cheese. The crisp beans have a bright flavor that balances the rich cheesy pasta.
Seafood Appetizers to Start Your Meal
Before digging into that decadent lobster mac n cheese, whet your appetite with some seafood appetizers playing off the lobster theme:
11. Lobster Bisque
A bowl of smooth, creamy lobster bisque is the ultimate starter for a lobster pasta dinner. The rich, intensely lobster-flavored soup prepares your palate for the seafood pasta to come.
12. Lobster Cocktail
Chilled lobster meat served with lemon wedges and drawn butter in a martini glass makes for an elegant appetizer. The cool, fresh lobster contrasts nicely with the warm mac later.
13. Seared Scallops
Perfectly caramelized pan seared scallops topped with a citrus herb butter are amazing bite-sized appetizers before lobster mac. Their sweet flavor and tender texture complement lobster beautifully.
14. Crab Cakes
Mini crab cakes fried golden brown pair wonderfully with lobster mac n cheese. The sweet flaky crab meat inside a crispy coating whets your appetite for the cheesy pasta.
15. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
For easy but impressive appetizers, wrap large shrimp in bacon and broil or grill until the bacon is crisp. The smoky, salty bacon flavor complements the sweet shrimp.
16. Oysters Rockefeller
Baked oysters topped with spinach, cheese, and bacon make a delightful starter for your lobster mac meal. The briny oysters pair so nicely with the lobster chunks in the pasta.
What to Drink With Lobster Mac n Cheese
Don’t forget beverage pairings for your lobster mac dinner!
17. Chardonnay
Abuttery, oak-aged Chardonnay is the perfect white wine to sip with lobster mac. The rich wine stands up to the cheese sauce without overpowering the seafood.
18. Sauvignon Blanc
For a lighter white, Sauvignon Blanc has enough acidity to balance the richness of the pasta. The citrus and melon notes complement lobster deliciously.
19. Rose Wine
A crisp, dry rose wine makes a lovely pairing for lobster mac n cheese. Look for roses with berry and cherry flavors to match the sweet lobster meat.
20. Sparkling Wine
Pop a bottle of bubbly! The effervescence of sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, and Champagne cut through the heavy pasta.
21. Irish Stout Beer
A roasty, slightly bitter Irish stout like Guinness is wonderful with lobster mac. The creamy foam complements the cheese sauce beautifully.
22. Belgian Wheat Beer
Fruity, spiced Belgian wheat beers work nicely too. The lighter body and hint of sweetness balances lobster mac’s richness.
23. Iced Tea
For non-alcoholic, freshly brewed iced tea – sweet, unsweet, or herbal – offers a refreshing beverage option with lobster mac n cheese. The tannins help cut through the cheesy richness.
So for your next lobster mac n cheese feast, try pairing it with one or more of these delicious sides, appetizers, and drinks for a mouthwatering meal from start to finish! The combinations of flavors, textures, and aromas will take this comfort food to the next level.
1 Cucumber Salad
With its crisp texture and cool taste, cucumber salad is a great light side dish that goes well with the rich mac and cheese. Whether it’s a simple salad with vinegar, dill, and cucumbers or a more complicated one with tomatoes and onions, it makes the meal taste better.
A bowl of tomato soup is a comforting side that goes well with lobster mac and cheese. It goes well with the creamy, rich pasta because of its tangy taste and smooth texture. The acidity of the tomatoes also helps balance out the richness of the cheese.
Grilled shrimp skewers add a seafood element that harmonizes with the lobster mac and cheese. The grilled shrimp’s charred and smoky flavor goes well with the lobster, and their firm texture stands out against the creamy pasta.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine, which are green beans tossed with toasted, buttery almonds, are a light, crisp side dish that goes well with the lobster mac and cheese. While the pasta is creamy and cheesy, the crunchy almonds and bright, fresh green beans make a nice contrast.
Lobster Mac and Cheese The Perfect Side Dish | Chef Jean-Pierre
What are the best side dishes for lobster Mac and cheese?
Here’s a list of the top 8 best side dishes for Lobster Mac and Cheese. Green salads are a healthier alternative to many sides, but you can make this salad even more delicious by adding pecans to the mix. The pecans will add some crunch and an intense nutty flavor that gives your taste buds something to anticipate with each bite.
Can you serve Lobster Mac and cheese with crispy bacon?
It’s no secret that Lobster Mac and Cheese is best when smothered in cheese, but you can take your dish to the next level by serving it with some crispy bacon. This recipe is simple enough – fry up some strips of bacon until they’re nice and crispy, and serve them alongside your macaroni and cheese.
What noodle goes with lobster Mac & Cheese?
Noodles: Truly in short noodle will work with lobster mac and cheese. Try corkscrew, campanelle, conchiglie, fusilli, or a spin on elbow called piperigate. Topping: If you are the type that likes breadcrumb topping, mix two tablespoon of melted butter, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top before baking.
Can you eat lobster macaroni & cheese?
Lobster macaroni and cheese is an excellent recipe to serve as a luxurious side dish to a large crowd or as a fancy main dish for your family. You can even use frozen lobster meat, so you don’t have to fuss with cooking and shelling fresh meat. For more pasta recipes, try my shrimp alfredo, lobster ravioli, and creamy seafood pasta.