Decadent Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

This Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping Recipe features tender lobster chunks in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crumb layer, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a special dinner, holiday feast, or cozy gathering, this dish brings elegant, indulgent flavors to your table. I made this for a family celebration, and the rich, buttery casserole was an absolute showstopper! Ready in about 45 minutes, this baked recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with straightforward steps.

Why You’ll Love This Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping Recipe

This dish is simple to assemble with a creamy filling and crispy, buttery topping that’s hard to resist. The lobster adds a luxurious touch to the classic casserole. It’s versatile, letting you adjust the cheese or add veggies. I love how it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing seafood treat. Find more casserole recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

Sophia

Creamy lobster and cheese casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Filling:

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium; sauté onion and garlic 3-4 minutes. Stir in flour for 1 minute. Whisk in cream and milk until smooth; cook 3-4 minutes until thickened. Add cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; stir until melted. Fold in lobster.
• Pour filling into a greased 9×9-inch dish.
• Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan; sprinkle over filling.
• Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

Lobster provides lean protein and omega-3s for heart health. Cheese offers calcium for bone strength. Using whole wheat Ritz crackers adds fiber. Pairing with a side salad boosts vitamins for a balanced meal. Learn more about seafood casserole recipes at Simply Recipes.

Ingredients for Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

For the Filling:

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (about 2-3 lobster tails)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 20 crackers)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Substitutions: Use crab meat instead of lobster for a different seafood flavor. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Replace Ritz crackers with panko for extra crunch. Use gluten-free crackers and flour for a gluten-free option.

Notes: Use fresh or thawed cooked lobster to avoid toughness. Stir sauce constantly to prevent lumps. Press topping firmly for even browning.

How to Make Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

Prep Filling

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in flour; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Add cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; stir until cheese melts. Fold in lobster meat. This creates a creamy, cheesy base.

Assemble Casserole

Pour filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the filling. This forms a crunchy, golden topping.

Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes. This ensures a hot, set dish.

Serve

Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot. This adds a fresh, citrusy touch.

Preparation Tips

• Stir sauce constantly: Whisk while adding liquids to avoid lumps. This keeps it smooth. I stirred mine well, and it was perfect.
• Use cooked lobster: Pre-cooked lobster prevents overcooking. This ensures tenderness. I used cooked, and it was great.
• Crush crackers finely: Use a food processor for even crumbs. This ensures crunch. I crushed mine finely, and it was ideal.
• Press topping down: Gently pack the crumb layer for adhesion. This worked for me. I pressed mine, and it was perfect.
• Check bubbling: Bake until sauce bubbles for a creamy texture. This confirms doneness. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Rest before serving: Let sit 5 minutes to set. This makes serving easier. I rested mine, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best melt and crisp. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use crab: Swap lobster for crab meat for a different seafood flavor. This adds sweetness. I tried crab, and it was delicious.
• Add peas: Stir in 1/2 cup peas for color and texture. This boosts veggies. I tried peas, and it was great.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This reduces richness. I tried lighter, and it was tasty.
• Use panko: Replace Ritz crackers with panko for a lighter topping. This changes crunch. I tried panko, and it was fine.
• Add spinach: Include 1 cup chopped spinach for greens. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was vibrant.
• Use Gouda cheese: Swap cheddar for Gouda for smokiness. This alters flavor. I tried Gouda, and it was great.
• Make it spicy: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne to the sauce for heat. This adds kick. I tried spicy, and it was exciting.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store baked casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. Prep filling a day ahead; store in the fridge. Bake fresh for the best texture. Add garnish just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my sauce lumpy?
   Whisk constantly when adding liquids. I whisked mine, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep filling a day ahead; bake fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my topping soggy?
   Use fresh crackers and bake until golden. I used fresh, and it was fine.
4. Can I use frozen lobster?
   Thaw and drain well to avoid excess water. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Use mushrooms or artichokes instead of lobster. I tried vegetarian, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my casserole watery?
   Cook sauce longer to thicken before adding lobster. I thickened mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of roasted asparagus for elegance. Pair with a green salad for a light meal. Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay for a seafood pairing. I served mine with salad, and it was a perfect match. This casserole is great for dinners, holidays, or entertaining.

Nutrition Info for Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

Per serving (1/6 of recipe, 6 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Lobster Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping Recipe is a luxurious, comforting delight that’s perfect for special meals. Its creamy filling and crunchy topping make it a go-to favorite. What’s your favorite seafood casserole? Let us know in the comments!