Lobster Crab Butter Bombs are a rich, buttery appetizer that melts in your mouth. They combine tender lobster and crab meat with creamy butter, breadcrumbs, and bright chives for a crispy outside and a soft, briny center. These bites smell of lemon and garlic, taste of sweet shellfish and butter, and show a golden brown exterior when baked. If you like seafood with a touch of indulgence, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make at home—pair it with a simple salad or serve it at a party for an elegant finger food. For another easy, buttery baked recipe idea, try a similar flavor profile in this baked lemon butter chicken.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 8 (about 3–4 bombs per person)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Why Make This Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
These butter bombs are quick to assemble and deliver big flavor. The mix of lobster and crab gives a luxurious seafood taste without complicated techniques. They brown nicely in the oven for a crisp bite outside and a soft, buttery center. Serve them for special occasions, game day, or a cozy weekend dinner when you want something impressive but simple.
How to Make Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
This recipe builds flavor in simple steps: combine, shape, and bake. You’ll rely on good-quality cooked shellfish and softened butter to bind the mixture. Breadcrumbs keep the bombs from being too soft and add crunch. Chives and lemon brighten the rich flavors. Follow the steps below for even cooking and tidy, uniform bites.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 1 pound crab meat, cooked and picked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the bombs won’t stick. Make sure lobster and crab meat are fully picked of shells and roughly chopped to similar sizes for even texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the lobster meat, crab meat, softened butter, breadcrumbs, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients hold together. If using, fold in half of the shredded cheese to distribute it inside.
Step 3: Forming and Topping
Form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, press a little shredded cheese on top of each bomb for a golden, cheesy finish.
Step 4: Baking and Finishing
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the outside is golden brown and the centers are heated through. Let the bombs rest for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate to keep them intact.
How to Serve Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
Serve hot as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or a lemon wedge for brightness.
- A simple garlic aioli or tartar sauce for dipping.
- A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
Arrange them on a platter garnished with extra chives for color. They also work well as a warm hors d’oeuvre at parties.
How to Store Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the exterior crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze baked bombs in a single layer on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
- Note: Do not leave seafood dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid food safety risk.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
- Use cold, fully cooked shellfish that you chop just before mixing. Overhandling warm seafood can make the mixture too soft.
- Softened butter binds well; don’t melt it. Room-temperature butter gives structure and flavor.
- If the mixture feels too soft to form balls, chill it 15–20 minutes to firm up, or add a little more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and season before shaping—a small amount of salt and lemon can brighten the flavors.
- For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing for extra nutty flavor and crunch.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Deluxe: Mix in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar and top with extra cheese before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 teaspoons of Sriracha or finely chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Herb-forward: Replace chives with a mix of parsley and tarragon for a fresh herb flavor.
- Panko Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Seafood Swap: Use all lobster or all crab if you prefer one flavor stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned crab or lobster?
A: Yes. Use canned crab or lobster that is well-drained. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid so the mixture isn’t soggy.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the bombs and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 12 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked on a sheet, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
Q: How do I prevent the bombs from falling apart?
A: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted and that you use enough breadcrumbs to bind. Chilling the mixture briefly helps it hold shape during baking.
Q: Are these safe for people with shellfish allergies?
A: No. This recipe uses lobster and crab and is not safe for anyone with shellfish allergies. Substitute cooked chicken or a plant-based seafood alternative if you need a shellfish-free version.
Q: Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
A: You can, but use medium-low heat and enough oil or butter to prevent sticking. Pan-fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and heated through. Be gentle when flipping to keep them intact.
Q: What dipping sauces pair best?
A: Lemon-garlic aioli, remoulade, simple tartar sauce, or a light yogurt-herb dip all pair nicely. A citrusy vinaigrette is a good lighter option.
Conclusion
Lobster Crab Butter Bombs are a simple way to serve fancy flavors. They offer a buttery interior, a crisp outer bite, and bright notes from lemon and chives. Try different cheeses, breadcrumbs, or spices to make them your own. For another cheesy crab-inspired treat you can try alongside these bites, consider this tasty Cheesy Crab Biscuits w/ Garlic Butter. Enjoy making these—share them warm with friends and savor the rich, coastal flavors.
Print
Lobster Crab Butter Bombs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Rich, buttery appetizers that melt in your mouth, combining tender lobster and crab meat with creamy butter and crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 1 pound crab meat, cooked and picked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the lobster meat, crab meat, softened butter, breadcrumbs, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until it holds together.
- Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top of each bomb.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon, dipping sauce, or a side of salad. Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
