Lobster Lover's Dream from Red Lobster features tender lobster tails and succulent lobster meat baked with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, delivering a rich, cheesy, and crispy seafood delight.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon (for mixing and topping)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 cup lobster meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using fresh lobster tails and lobster meat significantly enhances the flavor and texture of your dish, making it tender and succulent. Ensure the cheeses--cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan--are freshly shredded for better melting and a creamier consistency. Measure seasonings like Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper carefully to balance the dish's rich, savory profile without overpowering the lobster's natural taste. Panko breadcrumbs add a necessary crispy topping, so don't skip them for that signature crunchy finish. Your Lobster Lover's Dream from Red Lobster copycat will deliver the same richness and cheesy delight when these ingredient details are precisely followed.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Split lobster tails in half lengthwise and remove meat.
- Cut lobster meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
- Season cheese mixture with garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay, salt, and black pepper.
- Fold lobster pieces into the cheese mixture.
- Lightly grease baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Spoon lobster and cheese mixture into baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining melted butter and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over lobster mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil (optional for moistness).
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, removing foil for last 5 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
Lobster Lover's Dream from Red Lobster copycat menu can be adapted if fresh lobster tails are unavailable by using frozen lobster meat or crab meat as a substitute, maintaining the rich seafood flavor. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs can provide a similar crispy topping. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially Old Bay seasoning, which is key for authentic flavor but can be toned down or replaced by a seafood spice blend. Using aluminum foil to cover the baking dish partway through cooking helps prevent over-browning of the cheese topping while ensuring the lobster stays moist.
Tips
To prevent overcooking, monitor the lobster carefully as it bakes since lobster meat can become tough if exposed to high heat too long. When splitting the lobster tails, use a sharp knife and cut lengthwise carefully to avoid damaging the shells, which help keep the meat intact during cooking. Whisking the cheese mixture thoroughly ensures even seasoning and smooth texture, which enhances flavor distribution throughout the dish. Your breadcrumb topping should be evenly coated in butter and sprinkled uniformly to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy crust without burning.
Nutritions
Lobster Lover's Dream packs a high-protein seafood punch with tender lobster tails and meat, supplying essential omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses contributes calcium and fats, providing energy and supporting bone strength. Heavy cream and butter add richness while increasing calorie density, making this dish indulgent yet nourishing. You can enjoy a balanced meal that offers protein, healthy fats, and vital minerals crucial for overall wellbeing.
Storage
Store leftover Lobster Lover's Dream in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the lobster mixture separate from the breadcrumb topping if possible to preserve its crispy texture. Reheat gently in an oven at 350degF (175degC) until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out while retaining a creamy consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Gruyere or Fontina cheese for a nutty and creamy twist in the lobster mixture. For a different texture, swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed Ritz crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Instead of baking, consider grilling the lobster tails after assembling to add a smoky flavor with charred edges. Infuse your heavy cream with a splash of white wine or lemon zest for a subtle, bright enhancement.
Allergies
Your Lobster Lover's Dream contains shellfish, specifically lobster tails and lobster meat, which are common allergens that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Dairy ingredients such as cheddar, mozzarella, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese may also cause issues for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. Be cautious of breadcrumbs, which might contain gluten, potentially affecting individuals with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
Why this recipe?
The Lobster Lover's Dream menu from Red Lobster is highly popular due to its rich combination of butter-poached lobster tails, succulent lobster-and-scallop linguine, and savory Maine lobster sauce. Its premium ingredients and expertly crafted flavors deliver an indulgent seafood experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Creating a copycat version allows you to enjoy this luxurious dish at home with customizable seasoning and cooking control. Your effort in replicating this menu brings restaurant-quality lobster cuisine right to your kitchen.