Step 1: Prepare the Mac & Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
6. Combine with Pasta and Lobster: Add the cooked macaroni and chopped lobster to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated, and the lobster is distributed throughout the mixture. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Form the Bites

1. Form into Balls: Once the mac and cheese mixture has cooled and firmed up, scoop out a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball (about the size of a golf ball). Repeat until all of the mixture is used.
2. Set Up a Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Coat the Bites: Dredge each mac and cheese ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Repeat for all the bites.

Step 3: Fry the Bites

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to cover the bites completely while frying.
2. Fry the Bites: Carefully lower the coated mac and cheese bites into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the bites for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve the Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites

1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bites with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.