Lobster & Crab Butter Bombs
Indulge in these luxurious Lobster & Crab Butter Bombs, a truly decadent appetizer that promises a burst of rich, savory flavor in every bite. Featuring tender lobster and sweet crab meat enveloped in a creamy butter and cream cheese blend, these golden-baked delights are seasoned to perfection and offer an irresistible crispy exterior. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, embodying gourmet elegance with surprising ease of preparation.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
Approximately 16-20 bombs
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Unforgettable Flavor: A perfect harmony of sweet lobster, succulent crab, and rich, creamy butter.
- Gourmet Presentation: These elegant, golden-brown spheres make for an impressive appetizer at any event.
- Quick & Easy: Surprisingly simple to prepare, making gourmet dining accessible for home cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: A guaranteed hit that will have guests asking for the recipe.
- Versatile Serving: Excellent on their own, or paired with a light dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 240 grams (1 cup) cooked lobster meat, finely chopped
- 240 grams (1 cup) cooked crab meat, shredded
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) lemon zest
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 120 grams (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed or a sturdy spatula, cream the two together until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, light, and free of lumps. This creates the rich base for the butter bombs.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped lobster meat, shredded crab meat, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic lemon zest into the creamed butter and cream cheese mixture. Be careful to mix just until combined to preserve the delicate texture of the seafood.
- Now, incorporate the finely chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the seafood mixture.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop (approximately 30ml capacity), scoop portions of the seafood mixture. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form small, uniform balls or 'bombs'. Place these formed bombs onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each.
- Take the panko breadcrumbs and spread them out on a shallow plate or in a small bowl. Carefully roll each butter bomb in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully and evenly coated. The panko breadcrumbs will provide a superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Once all the bombs are coated, return them to the baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each butter bomb. This helps the breadcrumbs achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a delightful crisp texture during baking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. The butter bombs are ready when they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the outside, and heated through to the center.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the Lobster & Crab Butter Bombs to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This allows them to set up slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional, but recommended for creaming)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon capacity) or two spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Shallow plate or bowl for breadcrumbs
Essential Success Tips
- Use Quality Seafood: The success of this dish hinges on fresh-tasting lobster and crab. If using frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Soften Ingredients Properly: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at true room temperature for a smooth, homogenous base. This prevents lumps and makes mixing much easier.
- Gentle Mixing: When adding the seafood, fold it in carefully. Overmixing can break down the delicate crab and lobster, affecting the texture.
- Chill if Sticky: If the mixture is too soft to roll easily, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This will firm it up, making shaping much simpler.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give the butter bombs space on the baking sheet. This allows for even air circulation and ensures they crisp up beautifully rather than steaming.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Brown Butter Base: For an extra layer of nutty depth, lightly brown a portion of the butter before cooling and creaming it with the softened cream cheese. This adds a sophisticated flavor dimension.
- Herbal Infusion: Consider infusing a small amount of finely minced fresh tarragon or chives into the butter mixture for a different aromatic lift that complements seafood beautifully.
- The Right Sauce Pairing: While delicious on their own, a light remoulade, a classic tartar sauce, or a simple lemon-dill aioli can elevate the serving experience significantly.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover Lobster & Crab Butter Bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Option: The unbaked butter bomb mixture can be prepared, shaped, and coated in breadcrumbs, then refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seafood mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lobster and crab meat?
Absolutely! If using fresh seafood, ensure it is fully cooked, cooled, and drained before incorporating it into the mixture. This will yield the best flavor and texture.
What kind of crab meat is best for this recipe?
Lump or jumbo lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor. However, high-quality claw meat or special crab meat can also be used, just ensure it's well-drained.
Can I air fry these butter bombs instead of baking?
Yes, these can be air-fried for an even crispier result! Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 280, Protein: 15g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Carbs: 8g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 1g, Sodium: 350mg (per bomb, estimated for 18 bombs)
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (lobster, crab), dairy (butter, cream cheese), and gluten (breadcrumbs). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
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