Baked Lobster Tails with Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce
These baked lobster tails are decadently rich, tender, and bathed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with melted cheese on top. The luxurious flavors of lobster combined with melted cheese and herbs make this a show-stopping dish perfect for special dinners or holidays.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
4 lobster tails, thawed if frozen
3 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Lobster Tails:
Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail shell to expose the meat. Gently lift the meat out and place it on top of the shell for presentation. Pat the lobster dry with a paper towel.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble for Baking:
Place lobster tails in a baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over each tail. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lobster is opaque and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. You can broil for an additional 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly, if desired.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips:
Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Lobster:
If using frozen tails, thaw them overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water for 30–45 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
Don’t Overbake:
Lobster cooks quickly—overbaking will make it tough. It’s done when the flesh is opaque and firm (internal temp: ~140°F/60°C).
Cheese Balance:
Use a mix of cheeses for flavor depth—mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for sharpness. Gruyère or Fontina also work well.
Cream Sauce Tip:
Simmer the cream just enough to thicken; don’t boil it or it may separate.
Finish Under the Broiler:
For that golden, bubbling cheese crust, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Variations:
Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce for heat.
Herb Twist:
Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or chives into the cream sauce for added Mediterranean flair.
Seafood Mix:
Add shrimp or scallops alongside lobster in the baking dish for a seafood medley.
Low-Dairy Option:
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Breadcrumb Topping:
Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and herbs and sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use pre-cooked lobster tails?
A: Yes, but reduce the baking time to 6–8 minutes just to warm and melt the cheese. Overcooking will dry out the meat.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. For a lighter version, try evaporated milk.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and clean the lobster tails ahead, but bake them fresh to preserve the tender texture.
Q: What side dishes go well with this?
A: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, buttered noodles, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s naturally low-carb and high-fat, making it great for keto diets.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 390–450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 4–6g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
(Values may vary depending on cheese and cream brand used)
Conclusion
Baked Lobster Tails in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce is a luxurious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The garlic butter and melted cheese enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating an indulgent yet elegant meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your home.