LAZY LOBSTER CASSEROLE WITH BUTTERY RITZ TOPPING

Lobster Casserole, also known as Lazy Lobster at many New England seafood shacks, is the perfect way to enjoy lobster without the hassle of getting covered in lobster juice. Typically served as a baked casserole, it features chunks of lobster in a generous amount of butter, topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crumble. A lemon wedge, a sprig of parsley, and a light dusting of paprika finish off this divine dish.

Whenever I spot Lazy Lobster on a menu, I can’t resist ordering it. My favorite versions always include a splash of sherry and a touch of garlic for extra flavor.

This year, I started ordering my meats from ButcherBox, and occasionally, they offer lobster. I knew I had to try making my own lobster casserole at home. With a little imagination—thinking of a picnic table with seashells beneath my feet and the sound of seagulls in the distance—I could easily forget I wasn’t enjoying it seaside.

INGREDIENTS

Buttery Ritz Topping:

  • 35 Ritz crackers
  • 2 cups Oyster Crackers (Westminster brand preferred)
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

Lobster:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup sherry
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 24 oz lobster meat (claws and knuckles recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Start by crushing the Ritz crackers in a food processor. Pulse until the crumbs are coarse, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Add the oyster crackers, melted butter, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
  • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then pour in the sherry and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  • If using raw lobster, add it to the pan and cook until it firms up and changes color. If using pre-cooked lobster, simply pour the sauce over the lobster meat. Remove from heat.
  • Divide the lobster evenly between individual ramekins or baking dishes.
  • Generously top with the cracker mixture.
  • Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the lobster is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown.
  • Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

NUTRITION (PER SERVING)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 205mg
  • Sodium: 959mg
  • Potassium: 304mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Vitamin A: 921 IU
  • Vitamin C: 4mg
  • Calcium: 139mg
  • Iron: 2mg