Description
Irresistible Lobster Puffs combine flaky, buttery puff pastry with a rich, creamy lobster filling for an elegant and savory appetizer. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, with tender lobster and a smooth filling inside, this recipe is simple to prepare and customizable for a gourmet experience at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked fresh lobster meat, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 shallots, finely chopped (or onions)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (such as tarragon or parsley), chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pastry & Assembly
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere or cheddar cheese (for cheese variation)
- Jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- Sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts (for vegetarian option)
- Gluten-free puff pastry (for gluten-free adaptation)
- Other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil
Instructions
- Prepare the lobster filling: Finely chop the cooked lobster meat. In a skillet, gently sauté the chopped shallots in butter until translucent. Add the lobster, heavy cream, fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder, stirring gently until warmed through and combined. Avoid overcooking to keep the lobster tender.
- Roll and cut the puff pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pastry to smooth any creases and cut into equal squares or circles based on your serving preference.
- Assemble the puffs: Spoon a generous amount of lobster filling onto half of the pastry pieces. If desired, stir in any optional cheese or spicy ingredients into the filling beforehand. Top with the remaining pastry pieces, then firmly press edges with a fork or fingers to seal. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake until golden brown: Place the assembled puffs on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster for best flavor and texture.
- Keep puff pastry chilled before working to maintain flaky layers.
- Use just enough filling to avoid leakage during baking.
- Apply egg wash lightly to create a glossy finish without sogginess.
- Keep an eye on the oven as puff pastry cooks quickly and can dry out if overbaked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat gently.
- Freeze unbaked assembled puffs on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage; bake directly from frozen when ready.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes; avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lobster puffs, lobster appetizer, puff pastry recipes, seafood appetizers, party snacks, elegant appetizers, easy lobster recipes
