Description
Creamy Maine lazy lobster casserole melds fresh seafood with rich, comforting ingredients. Coastal flavors shine through buttery breadcrumbs and tender lobster meat, creating a delightful dish coastal New England families cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz (680 g) lobster meat (claws and knuckles used)
- ½ cup (113 g) butter
- 2 cups (240 g) oyster crackers (Westminster preferred)
- 35 Ritz crackers
- 4 tbsps (57 g) butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sherry
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (15 g) parsley, chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Configure oven to 350°F (175°C) and position sheet pan on middle rack for optimal heat distribution.
- Cracker Topping: Pulse Ritz and oyster crackers in food processor until achieving coarse, textured crumbs, then blend with melted butter and chopped parsley to create a rich, aromatic coating.
- Flavor Development: In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat, adding minced garlic and allowing it to release its fragrant essence, then incorporate dry sherry, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to build a complex flavor profile.
- Lobster Cooking: For raw lobster meat, sauté 2-3 minutes until slightly firm and opaque; alternatively, place pre-cooked lobster directly into individual ovenproof dishes.
- Assembly: Distribute lobster evenly across 6 dishes, generously covering with the prepared cracker mixture to ensure consistent seasoning and texture.
- Baking: Roast in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until lobster is thoroughly heated and topping achieves a golden, crispy brown appearance.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley sprigs, creating a vibrant and appetizing final touch before serving.
Notes
- Cracker Crumb Texture: Pulse crackers to achieve a coarse, uneven texture for a more rustic and crunchy topping that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
- Butter Sautéing Technique: Melt butter until slightly foamy to develop rich, nutty flavors and prevent burning, creating a perfect base for garlic and seafood.
- Lobster Cooking Precision: Cook raw lobster meat just until it firms and turns opaque to preserve its delicate texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Use individual ovenproof dishes for an elegant presentation and even heat distribution, making each portion feel personalized and special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 564
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg