A rich, cozy seafood bake loaded with tender lobster and shrimp in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery golden Ritz cracker crust. Comfort food luxury—without the work.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Seafood & Veg
½ lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (langostino or frozen tails work great)
½ lb small cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails off)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup onion, finely chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (holiday confetti!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Cheese Sauce
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Buttery Ritz Topping
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 20 crackers)
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish or 9×9 baking pan.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and smooth.
4️⃣ Melt the Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until creamy and velvety.
5️⃣ Add the Seafood
Gently fold in lobster and shrimp. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Make the “Lazy” Crust
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7️⃣ Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
8️⃣ Serve
Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve ho