Chef Smoke Special: Infused Lobster Mac with Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar, and Herb Breadcrumb Crust

Chef Smoke Special: Infused Lobster Mac with Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar, and Herb Breadcrumb Crust

A rich, upscale comfort dish that still works in a home kitchen: tender lobster folded into a silky smoked gouda and white cheddar sauce, finished with a crisp herb breadcrumb top. Gourmet, indulgent, and worthy of the Gourmet Edibles name.

Yield

6 servings

Potency Assumption

This recipe uses:

• 3.5 grams cannabis flower
• 20% THC
• 3.5 grams = 3500 mg flower
• 3500 mg × 20% = 700 mg total THC before decarboxylation
• Estimated usable THC after decarb + infusion loss: approximately 560 mg THC

Infused Butter Batch Potency

This infused butter recipe makes 1/2 cup infused butter

• Total batch potency: approximately 560 mg THC
• 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
• Each tablespoon = approximately 70 mg THC

Recipe Potency

This recipe uses:

• 2 tablespoons infused butter total

So:

• 2 tablespoons × 70 mg = 140 mg THC total in recipe
• Divided into 6 servings = approximately 23.3 mg THC per serving

Ingredients

For Decarboxylation

• 3.5 grams cannabis flower

For Infused Butter

• all of the decarboxylated cannabis
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water

For the Pasta

• 1 pound cavatappi or elbow pasta
• salt for the pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons regular unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons infused butter
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional
• 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked gouda
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• salt and black pepper to taste

For the Lobster

• 12 to 16 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

For the Herb Breadcrumb Crust

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted regular butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• pinch of salt
• pinch of black pepper

Decarboxylation Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 240°F.
2. Break the cannabis flower into small pieces by hand.
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
5. Cool completely.

Infused Butter Instructions

1. Combine the decarboxylated cannabis, butter, and water in a small saucepan.
2. Keep over very low heat at a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Stir occasionally and do not let it boil hard.
4. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof container.
5. Refrigerate until solid.
6. Lift off the butter and discard the water.
7. Measure out 2 tablespoons for this recipe.

Pasta Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Cheese Sauce Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the regular butter with the 2 tablespoons infused butter over medium-low heat.
3. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until smooth.
7. Stir in Dijon, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using.
8. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
9. Lower the heat and add the smoked gouda, white cheddar, and parmesan.
10. Stir until melted and silky.
11. Season with salt and black pepper.

Assemble the Lobster Mac

1. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
2. Gently fold in the chopped lobster, lemon zest, and chives.
3. Transfer to a buttered baking dish.

Herb Breadcrumb Crust Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the panko, melted butter, parsley, chives, parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake

1. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
2. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Potency Per Serving

• Total recipe potency: approximately 140 mg THC
• Serving size: 1 plated portion
• Potency per serving: approximately 23.3 mg THC

Storage Notes

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat covered in the oven with a splash of milk or cream.
• Best texture is on the day it is made.