The Best Meats to Pair with Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese is a decadent, indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions and holidays. The combination of tender lobster meat, gooey cheese sauce, and elbow macaroni is simply delightful. However, lobster mac and cheese is very rich on its own, so it’s important to balance it out with the right side dishes In particular, choosing the perfect protein can take this pasta dish to the next level.

In this article, I’ll share my favorite meats to serve with lobster mac and cheese. From beef, pork, lamb, to poultry, you’ll find plenty of amazing options that complement the flavors of cheesy lobster pasta. I’ll also give you tips on preparation, recommended pairings, and key considerations for each type of meat.

Why Meat is a Great Pairing

First, let’s look at why meat is such a great pairing for lobster mac and cheese. Here are some of the key reasons:

• Contrasting textures – The tender creamy pasta and lobster contrasts wonderfully with seared crispy meats. This adds more depth and variety to the dish.

• Complementary flavors – Hearty meats stand up well to the rich cheese sauce and bring savory umami flavors. Things like beef, lamb, and bacon balance out the sweetness of the lobster.

• Adds nutrition – Meat provides further protein, minerals like iron and zinc, and B vitamins to make the meal more nutritious and filling.

• Elevates the dish – Quality cuts of meat and gourmet preparations make lobster mac and cheese feel like a restaurant-worthy entree.

No matter what meat you choose, it’s sure to take your lobster mac and cheese to the next level. Now, let’s get into the specifics!

Beef

Hearty cuts of beef pair amazingly with creamy, cheesy lobster pasta. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly. Here are some of my favorite beef options:

Filet Mignon

Tender, delicate filet mignon is a classic pairing with lobster. Try grilling or pan searing filets to medium rare, then slicing to serve over mac and cheese. The buttery lobster sauce will soak right into the beef.

Other cuts like ribeye, NY strip, or flat iron steak also work well. Just don’t overcook them!

Short Ribs

For a more laid-back, homey vibe, opt for braised short ribs. Slow cook them until ultra tender, then shred the meat and mix it right into the pasta. The bold, beefy flavor stands up to the cheese sauce beautifully.

Meatballs

Homemade beef meatballs baked or simmered in tomato sauce lend a comforting, familial feel. Mix them right into the mac and cheese or keep them on the side for dipping. Ground beef or turkey can be used too.

Beef Wellington

For special occasions, individual beef wellingtons are a sight to behold. The puff pastry exterior contrasts the rich filling of seared tenderloin and mushroom duxelles. Serve beef wellingtons whole alongside the decadent pasta.

Pork

The natural sweetness and fattiness of pork pairs wonderfully with creamy, cheesy pasta. Here are some pork options that work with lobster mac and cheese:

Bacon

You can’t go wrong with bacon! Chopped cooked bacon sprinkled on top or mixed throughout adds a smoky, salty crunch. Or go all out by making bacon mac and cheese then topping with lobster.

Pork Chops

Juicy, garlicky pan seared pork chops are fantastic with lobster mac. The salty, savory flavors pair so nicely. Opt for chops like bone-in rib chops, center cut chops, or stuffed chops.

Ham

Slice some spiral cut ham and serve it alongside the pasta, or dice it up and mix it right in. The salty, slight sweetness accentuates the cheese. Prosciutto, speck, or serrano ham also work great.

Sausage

Spicy Italian sausage, whether links, patties, or crumbled, makes a phenomenal pairing. The fennel, garlic, and heat cuts through the richness. Andouille or chorizo sausage are excellent as well.

Lamb

The robust taste of lamb stands up well to gooey lobster mac. Lamb delivers a wonderful savory, gamy flavor. Here are some tasty options:

Lamb Chops

Seared or grilled lamb chops served alongside lobster mac and cheese makes for an elegant, restaurant-quality meal. The classic pairing of lamb and buttery lobster comes through beautifully.

Ground Lamb

For a more casual meal, opt for ground lamb burgers or meatballs. Mix in spices like rosemary, mint, and garlic. The bold lamb flavor shines through the cheesy pasta.

Lamb Shoulder

Slow roasted then shredded lamb shoulder or leg of lamb is sensational mixed right into the mac and cheese or served on the side. The ultra tender, fall-apart texture takes well to the sauce.

Poultry

Lean, mild tasting poultry contrasts rich lobster mac and cheese wonderfully. Here are some excellent poultry pairings:

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parm features breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Served atop pasta, it’s a delicious fusion meal. The crispy crust and melty cheese pair amazingly with the lobster.

Chicken Breast

Simply prepared chicken breasts – grilled, baked, or pan seared – allow the lobster mac to shine as the star. Boneless chicken thighs or tenders also work very well. Keep seasoning simple.

Turkey Cutlets

Breaded and pan fried turkey cutlets have just enough flavor to complement the pasta, without overpowering it. Plus, they deliver that crispy exterior contrast. Serve turkey cutlets sliced alongside the mac and cheese.

Cornish Game Hen

For a gourmet meal, roasted Cornish game hens stuffed with aromatics like lemon, garlic, and herbs are spectacular. The tender, mildly gamey meat balances the rich lobster beautifully.

Making the Pairings Work

When pairing meats with lobster mac and cheese, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overpower the pasta. Let the lobster shine by keeping meat seasonings simple.

• Aim for contrasting textures with a mix of tender and crispy.

• Mix oily, fatty meats right into the pasta, but serve leaner meats on the side.

• Cook meats to slightly underdone since they’ll continue cooking mixed into the hot pasta.

• Reserving some lobster meat to mix with meats prevents the pasta from becoming too heavy.

• Add quick cooking meats like ground beef, sausage, or bacon at the very end to prevent overcooking.

Complementary Sides

Here are some sides that pair wonderfully with lobster mac, cheese, and meat:

• Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or squash
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
• Mixed green or Caesar salad
• Creamed spinach or roasted brussels sprouts
• Corn on the cob

Keep sides simple to avoid overshadowing the opulent lobster mac and cheese!

Lobster macaroni and cheese is an indulgent dish that pairs incredibly well with a variety of meats. Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry all offer great flavor and textures contrasts. Just be sure not to overpower the pasta and let the lobster shine. With the right meat and simple vegetable sides, you’re sure to have an amazing surf and turf meal.