Name: Smoky Lion’s Mane “Lobster” Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 8 ounces Lion’s Mane mushrooms, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces; 2 Tablespoons butter; 2 shallots, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1/4 cup dry white wine; 2 cups heavy cream; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 8 ounces colby jack cheese, shredded; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 ounces gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice); Salt & pepper, to taste

Creamy smoked mushroom macaroni and cheese

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yield 8 1x

Author Katherine Salom, Girl Gone Grilling

This creamy mac and cheese swaps traditional lobster for tender lion’s mane mushrooms. Sautéed to golden perfection, the lion’s mane mimics the rich, buttery bite of lobster, pairing deliciously with a velvety four-cheese sauce and finished in the smoker for rich, smoky flavor. It’s a decadent, meat-free take on lobster mac that delivers all the indulgence with a fresh, mushroom-forward twist.

Ingredients

Scale

- 8 ounces Lion’s Mane mushrooms, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces colby jack cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 Tablespoons butter. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden. Add shallots, garlic and thyme; cook until softened.
Deglaze with white wine and let simmer until reduced. Stir in heavy cream.
Gradually whisk in cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella and gruyère until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Transfer to a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
Top with extra shredded cheese.
Place dish in smoker at 350°F for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot; garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

This recipe uses Crimini mushrooms

Crimini Flavor and texture

Crimini mushrooms have a stronger flavor and firmer texture than their white button counterparts. This full-bodied umami flavor and hearty texture sings in fresh applications like salads with a crisp satisfying bite. When cooked, the mushroom’s distinct flavor intensifies and lends a pleasant meaty texture to any range of dishes.