Lobster Casserole with Garlic Butter and Sherry

An elegant and indulgent dish, this Lobster Casserole with Garlic Butter and Sherry elevates the comfort of a classic seafood bake with the richness of golden butter, the aroma of sautéed garlic, and the brightness of fresh lemon juice. Finished with a crispy, buttery cracker topping and a hint of sherry, this casserole is ideal for holiday dinners, celebratory gatherings, or whenever you wish to bring a taste of luxury to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lobster casserole strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The lobster is tender and sweet, complemented by a luscious garlic butter and brightened with citrus and herbs. The addition of sherry adds subtle depth, while the crisp, buttery cracker topping provides a satisfying contrast in texture. Easy to prepare yet rich in flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without being overly complex.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 24 oz lobster meat (claw, knuckle, or tail)
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 2 cups oyster crackers, crushed
• 35 Ritz crackers, crushed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, sherry, and lobster meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the lobster is warmed through. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
4. Divide the lobster mixture into individual oven-safe ramekins or spread evenly in a small baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed oyster crackers and Ritz crackers. Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and mix into the cracker crumbs until fully coated.
6. Spoon the cracker topping evenly over the lobster mixture.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

• Creamy Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a richer, creamier base.
• Spicy Twist: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a touch of heat.
• Herb Blend: Try incorporating fresh tarragon or dill for an herbaceous variation.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Seafood Medley: Mix in cooked scallops or shrimp alongside the lobster for a seafood medley casserole.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may toughen the lobster and soften the cracker topping. This dish is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate texture of lobster meat and the crumb topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, frozen lobster meat works well. Thaw it thoroughly and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture.

What type of sherry should I use?

A dry or medium-dry sherry is ideal for this recipe, adding depth without overwhelming sweetness.

Can I substitute the lobster with another seafood?

Yes, crabmeat or chopped shrimp are good alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Do I need to cook the lobster beforehand?

If using raw lobster, it should be pre-cooked before incorporating it into the casserole.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers can be used for a similar crunchy topping.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

Is the sherry flavor strong in this recipe?

No, it provides subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.

How can I serve this for a dinner party?

Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation that also makes portioning easy.

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

Light salads, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf complement the richness of the casserole nicely.

Can I omit the garlic?

You can, though the garlic enhances the savory flavor of the lobster and butter mixture.

Conclusion

Lobster Casserole with Garlic Butter and Sherry is a refined yet approachable seafood dish that adds a touch of luxury to any table. Its comforting, golden crust and tender, aromatic lobster filling make it an ideal choice for holidays, romantic dinners, or dinner parties. With simple preparation and standout flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite when only the best will do.

Lobster Casserole with Garlic Butter and Sherry

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This Lobster Casserole with Garlic Butter and Sherry is an elegant seafood dish that’s rich, buttery, and perfect for special occasions. Tender lobster is baked in a lemony garlic-sherry sauce and finished with a golden, buttery cracker topping for the ultimate comfort food indulgence.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 24 oz lobster meat (claw, knuckle, or tail)

• 12 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice from 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup sherry

• 2 cups oyster crackers, crushed

• 35 Ritz crackers, crushed

 

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Stir in lemon juice, sherry, and lobster meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes until lobster is heated through. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.

4. Transfer the lobster mixture into a greased baking dish or individual ramekins.

5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed oyster and Ritz crackers. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and pour over crackers. Stir until well coated.

6. Evenly spoon the cracker topping over the lobster mixture.

7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling.

8. Serve hot, garnished with a bit of extra parsley if desired.

Notes

• Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.

• For added richness, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top before baking.

• Great with a light salad or crusty bread on the side.