Description
This Lazy Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping is an effortless yet elegant dish that combines tender lobster meat with a rich, garlicky sherry sauce, topped with a crunchy, buttery Ritz and oyster cracker crumble. Perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 35 minutes, delivering a flavorful seafood delight with minimal hassle.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Topping
- 35 Ritz crackers
- 2 cups Oyster Crackers (Westminster brand recommended)
- 4 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Lobster and Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup sherry
- Juice from one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 oz. lobster meat (claws and knuckles preferred, steamed or raw)
Instructions
- Prepare Crumb Topping: Add the Ritz and oyster crackers to the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times until you achieve coarse crumbs, leaving some texture. Pour the crumbs into a bowl, add 4 tablespoons melted butter and chopped parsley, then mix thoroughly. Set aside.
- Make Lobster Sauce: Heat ½ cup butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sherry and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Lobster (if raw): Add the lobster meat to the pan and cook until it begins to firm up and change color, indicating it’s cooked through. If using pre-steamed lobster meat, simply skip this step and proceed.
- Assemble Casseroles: Divide the cooked or pre-cooked lobster meat evenly between individual ramekins or small baking dishes.
- Add Topping: Generously sprinkle the prepared cracker crumb mixture over the lobster in each dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Place the ramekins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, until the lobster is fully cooked and the crumb topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Using pre-steamed lobster meat speeds up preparation and can be substituted easily.
- Westminster brand oyster crackers are preferred for texture and flavor balance.
- For an extra garlicky flavor, add more garlic according to taste.
- Ensure the cracker topping is not blended too fine to retain a nice crunchy texture.
- Serve immediately after baking for best crispness.
