Description
This Maine Lobster Casserole recipe offers a deliciously simple and elegant way to enjoy lobster with a crunchy buttery topping. Combining tender lobster meat with a lemony butter sauce and a crisp cracker and cornflake crust, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crunchy Topping
- 10 Ritz crackers
- 1 cup cornflakes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Lobster Filling
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 shallot, grated
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 10–12 ounces lobster meat (cooked or raw)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Topping: Preheat your oven to 325℉. Crush the Ritz crackers and cornflakes into coarse crumbs. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the crushed crackers, cornflakes, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture to coat evenly, then brown the crumbs over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until crisp and fragrant. Adjust seasonings if needed, then set aside.
- Make Lobster Filling: In a large skillet, heat 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and shallot and cook for about 2 minutes until softened and aromatic. Stir in the dry sherry and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook or Toss Lobster: If using raw lobster meat, add it to the butter sauce and cook for about 2 minutes until the lobster firms slightly. If using pre-cooked lobster, remove the pan from heat and gently toss the lobster meat in the sauce to coat well.
- Assemble and Bake: Divide the lobster and butter mixture evenly into two ovenproof ramekins or a medium casserole dish. Generously top with the prepared crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve your lobster casserole warm, garnished with a fresh lemon wedge and accompanied by crusty bread for a perfect finish.
Notes
- This recipe works well with leftover cooked lobster or freshly cooked raw lobster.
- Use dry sherry for the best flavor; avoid sweet varieties.
- The crunchy topping can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust the lemon zest and juice to taste for more or less brightness.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture contrast between the warm lobster and crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Maine lobster casserole, easy lobster recipe, lobster with crispy topping, seafood casserole, buttery lobster dish
