Lobster Pot Pie Ultimate

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish brings together chunks of sweet lobster, velvety cream sauce, and colorful veggies beneath golden pastry. Sautéed aromatics form the base, then lobster joins rich cream and broth for a luxurious filling. The mixture nestles in pie dough and bakes until perfectly crisp, balancing creamy interior with savory crunch. Whether served for a special occasion or a cozy night in, each slice bursts with coastal flavor. Pair with wine or fresh salad for an impressive meal that highlights the ocean’s best and classic comfort.

A woman in a chef's outfit poses for a picture.
Updated on Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:36:13 GMT
A lobster-pot-pie with a green herb on top. Pin
A lobster-pot-pie with a green herb on top. | applefoodie.com

Few dishes capture seafood luxury and homey comfort as beautifully as Lobster Pot Pie. Gentle bites of tender lobster are tucked inside a creamy stew with sweet vegetables and plenty of herb-kissed sauce. Everything is wrapped beneath a flaky golden crust, so each spoonful promises warmth and a touch of decadence. This recipe is perfect for that special dinner when you want to truly impress your guests or treat yourself to something that feels both cozy and special. Every time I pull this bubbling pie from the oven, it feels like a little celebration at the table.

There is something magical about the aroma that fills the kitchen as this pie bakes. I made it for a New Year’s Eve years ago and it now appears at every winter family gathering. It has become our ultimate comfort treat when we crave something festive and soothing.

Ingredients

  • Cooked lobster meat chopped: Tender sweet lobster is the soul of this dish Try to buy fresh lobster whenever possible for the purest flavor or use frozen tails if needed
  • Heavy cream: Brings ultra creamy texture and richness Full-fat cream gives a luxurious base that hugs the lobster
  • Chicken or seafood broth: Provides savory backbone Seek a good-quality broth or simmer your own shells if time allows
  • Frozen peas: Sweet pops of color and freshness Opt for bright green peas for the prettiest filling
  • Carrots diced: Add earthiness and color Choose carrots with crisp texture for best bite
  • Celery diced: Brings aromatic flavor and crunch Look for firm celery stalks with plenty of leaves for extra zing
  • Onion diced: Builds a deeply flavorful base Choose yellow or sweet onions that are heavy for their size
  • Butter: Classic richness which rounds out the sauce Use real unsalted butter for pure flavor
  • All-purpose flour: Creates the silky roux that thickens the sauce Pick a brand you trust so the sauce turns out smooth
  • Fresh parsley chopped: Lifts flavor and brightens the finished pie Flat-leaf parsley delivers the most punch
  • Thyme: Offers savory herbal notes Use fresh sprigs if possible or a pinch of dried in a pinch
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Taste and adjust carefully to highlight the lobster
  • Pie crust: Homemade or store-bought Either makes a flaky top and base Go for your favorite brand or make a classic all-butter crust
  • Egg beaten: Brushed on top for a rich golden shine Use farm-fresh eggs if you can for beautiful gloss

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it is fully heated by the time the pie is assembled This step ensures a crisp crust and bubbling filling
Sauté the Vegetables:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced onions carrots and celery Sauté gently and patiently for about eight minutes until softened and fragrant This slow build forms the backbone of sweet savory flavor in the sauce
Make the Roux:
Sprinkle flour evenly over the softened vegetable mix Stir constantly letting the flour bubble and meld with the butter for at least one minute This is a key moment to banish any raw flour taste and create a creamy base
Build the Sauce:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream then the broth Whisk the liquid in small amounts pausing to let it thicken Stir constantly over medium heat for about three to five minutes The result should be a velvety thickened sauce that coats the back of your spoon
Add Lobster and Season:
Take the skillet off the heat Gently fold in chopped lobster frozen peas parsley thyme salt and pepper Take a moment to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed The herbs and lobster should shine
Fill the Pie Dish:
Line your pie dish with the first crust Press gently into the edges Pour in the lobster filling and spread it out evenly This helps everything bake evenly and look beautiful later
Top with Crust:
Roll the second crust out gently and center it over the filling Pinch the edges to seal then use a paring knife to slice vents in the top These steam vents keep the pie crisp not soggy
Egg Wash:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg paying special attention to the edges This golden finish creates a bakery-worthy look when the pie bakes up
Bake:
Place your pie on the center rack and bake for about thirty five minutes Watch for a golden crust and bubbling edges Rotate halfway through if your oven heats unevenly
Cool and Serve:
Let the pie rest for about ten minutes before cutting This waiting time is key for slices to come out clean and for the filling to settle
A lobster pot pie with a spoon in it. Pin
A lobster pot pie with a spoon in it. | applefoodie.com

My favorite part is peeling open that flaky crust and scooping out the first spoonful My kids love the peas and burst into giggles whenever we find the biggest lobster chunk hidden in their slice It is our favorite to make together on a quiet Sunday afternoon

Storage Tips

Once baked the lobster pot pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days Use an airtight container to keep the crust crisp For longer storage assemble but do not bake the pie then freeze it wrapped well It will hold for up to three months straight from the freezer to oven Add about fifteen extra minutes of bake time until piping hot

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fresh lobster use high quality frozen tails or even a seafood medley such as shrimp and scallops For dairy free needs swap in cashew cream and vegan butter Gluten free flour and gluten free pie crusts work well here too For more vegetables toss in diced mushrooms or sweet corn

Serving Suggestions

This pie makes an impressive main dish on its own For a full meal serve with a simple citrusy green salad and a loaf of crusty bread Pureed vegetable soups like butternut squash make a lovely cozy starter For a wine pairing choose an oaked chardonnay or a dry sparkling white

A lobster pot pie with a green herb garnish. Pin
A lobster pot pie with a green herb garnish. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and Historical Notes

Pot pies have roots in English and French country cooking where seafood and poultry were nestled in crust for holiday feasts Lobster pot pie is popular along the East Coast of the United States where fresh shellfish is abundant Every family has its own little twist with the choice of herbs the vegetables in the filling and whether to make a top crust only or a full double crust

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, frozen lobster can be used. For best results, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to maintain texture.

→ What’s a good crust alternative?

Puff pastry or a homemade shortcrust both work well and add a different texture to the dish.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Try stirring in bell peppers, asparagus, or corn, but cook them briefly beforehand for best results.

→ What wines pair well with this pie?

Crisp whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complement the buttery lobster flavor.

→ How long does it keep after baking?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months before baking.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream, though the sauce’s flavor will change slightly.

Lobster Pot Pie Ultimate

Flaky crust surrounds tender lobster in a creamy sauce, creating a seafood comfort dish that's both hearty and elegant.

Preparation Time
45 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
85 min
By: Ava

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Serves (One 23 cm pie)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 480 ml cooked lobster meat, chopped
02 240 ml heavy cream
03 240 ml chicken or seafood broth
04 65 g frozen peas
05 65 g carrots, diced
06 65 g celery, diced
07 65 g onion, diced
08 45 g unsalted butter
09 24 g all-purpose flour
10 15 ml fresh parsley, chopped
11 2.5 ml dried thyme
12 Salt, to taste
13 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Crust & Finish

14 2 rounds pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
15 1 egg, beaten

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, approximately 5–7 minutes.

Step 03

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux without browning.

Step 04

Gradually whisk in the heavy cream followed by the broth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 05

Remove skillet from heat. Fold in chopped lobster meat, peas, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.

Step 06

Line a pie dish with one round of pie crust. Evenly spread the lobster filling into the prepared crust.

Step 07

Place the second crust over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping, and cut steam vents in the top.

Step 08

Brush the top of the pie crust lightly with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.

Step 09

Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and crisp.

Step 10

Remove the pot pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes & Tips

  1. For optimal flavor, use freshly cooked lobster and do not rush the roux for a rich, smooth sauce.
  2. The filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated; assemble the pie just before baking.
  3. Customise seasoning by experimenting with tarragon or dill for an aromatic twist.
  4. If freezing, wrap the unbaked assembled pie tightly and bake directly from frozen, adjusting baking time as needed.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon
  • Pie dish
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (lobster), milk (cream, butter), wheat (flour, pie crust), and egg.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 20 g