Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Cups
2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Flour (for dusting)
For the Lobster Filling
1½ cups cooked lobster meat (chopped)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives (chopped)
Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne for warmth
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Pastry Cups
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares large enough to fit a muffin tin.
Press pastry into greased muffin cups, prick bottoms lightly with a fork.
Brush edges with egg wash.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. Remove and gently press centers down.
Make the Lobster Filling
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
Add Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Fold in lobster meat and herbs. Cook gently for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble & Bake
Spoon lobster filling into pastry cups.
Return to oven and bake 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serve
Garnish with herbs or a touch of lemon zest. Serve warm.
🍳 Methods Explained
Baking Method: Ensures crisp pastry and even cooking.
Cream-Based Sauté: Keeps lobster tender and enhances its sweetness.
Layered Assembly: Maintains texture contrast—crispy outside, creamy inside.
📜 History & Inspiration
Puff pastry has roots in classical European baking, particularly French cuisine, where it symbolizes refinement and technique. Lobster, once considered humble coastal food, became a luxury ingredient over time. Combining the two reflects modern gourmet cooking—simple components elevated through balance and presentation.
💪 Benefits
Protein-Rich: Lobster is high in lean protein.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart and brain health.
Portion-Control Friendly: Small cups allow indulgence without excess.
Celebration-Ready: Visually impressive with minimal effort.
🧩 Formation & Presentation
The formation of these cups is all about contrast:
Base: Crisp, airy pastry
Center: Creamy, savory lobster filling
Top: Golden finish with fresh herbs
Serve on a platter with lemon wedges or alongside a crisp green salad for balance.