Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe

I know how much this dish means to so many people, and I’ve worked with it enough to give you the most trusted take. This Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe is one I feel super sure about because it brings back the real taste we all remember.

The hilltop steakhouse lobster pie recipe is a dish made with tender lobster meat, a simple creamy sauce, and a crumb topping baked until set. It is known for its rich flavor and classic New England style.

Keep reading, because I share every little step I use at home. You’ll see the ingredients, the method, and all the small tips that make it come out right. This is where it gets good.

What Makes This Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Special?

The reason so many people still search for the original Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie is simple: it was pure, indulgent seafood perfection. Unlike many modern lobster pie recipes that add fillers, Hilltop’s version focused on quality ingredients and a creamy, buttery base that allowed the lobster to shine.

Signature Qualities of This Lobster Pie Recipe

• Lobster-forward flavor: No potatoes or heavy fillers-just tender, juicy lobster meat.

• Creamy seafood gravy: A velvety sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic seasonings.

• Classic crumb topping: Buttery breadcrumbs baked to a crisp, creating the signature Hilltop texture.

• New England style roots: This recipe stays true to the region’s tradition of simple, rich, seafood comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Lobster Pie Recipe

To recreate the authentic Hilltop flavor, you only need a few simple-but high-quality-ingredients. Choosing fresh seafood and real butter makes all the difference.

For the Lobster Filling

• 1 ½ lbs cooked lobster meat (tail, claw & knuckle preferred)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup lobster stock (or seafood stock)

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dry sherry or white wine (optional but authentic)

For the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or ¾ cup crushed Ritz-style crackers)

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large pot

2. Cutting board

3. Sharp knife

4. Saucepan

5. Whisk

6. Spatula

7. Mixing bowl

8. Measuring cups

9. Measuring spoons

10. Baking dish or ramekins

11. Small bowl

12. Oven mitts

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie

This is the heart of your lobster pie recipe, where clarity and structure help both readers and search engines understand the flow.

1. Prepare the Lobster Meat

Chop the cooked lobster into medium-size chunks. Keep pieces generous-Hilltop never skimped on lobster meat.

2. Make the Creamy Lobster Filling

In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook briefly to form a roux. Slowly add heavy cream and lobster stock, stirring until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and (optional) sherry.

3. Fold in the Lobster

Gently mix the lobster into the warm sauce, making sure it’s fully coated. Let simmer lightly for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.

4. Assemble the Lobster Pie

Pour the mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Combine melted butter and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle generously over the top.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Tips for Making the Best Lobster Pie at Home

Adding practical advice increases topical authority and satisfies deeper search intent around lobster pie recipes.

1. Choose High-Quality Lobster

Fresh lobster or premium frozen lobster meat produces the best flavor and texture.

2. Don’t Overcook the Filling

The sauce should gently simmer-boiling can cause separation and toughness.

3. Use Real Butter Only

Authentic New England comfort food relies on pure butter for flavor richness.

4. Bake Just Until Golden

Overbaking can dry out the lobster. Keep an eye on the topping.

Variations of Lobster Pie Recipes You Can Try

Even though the Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie recipe is a classic, there are plenty of delicious variations that fall under the broader family of lobster pie recipes. These alternatives help you personalize the dish based on your flavor preferences.

New England Style Lobster Pie Recipe

A more traditional lobster pie recipe with a slightly lighter cream base, often made with evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. This version focuses heavily on the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Garlic Butter Lobster Pie

If you want richer flavor, melt garlic into the butter before making the sauce. This adds a deeper savory aroma and pairs incredibly well with the tender lobster meat.

Mini Individual Lobster Pies

Perfect for entertaining or portion control. These small lobster pies bake quickly, have a beautiful presentation, and allow you to add variations like different crumb toppings or herbs.

What to Serve with Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie

Pairing the right sides enhances the richness of this lobster pie recipe and brings balance to the meal.

Best Sides That Complement Classic Lobster Pie

• Buttery mashed potatoes – a smooth, cozy pairing

• Steamed asparagus or broccoli – fresh greens brighten the plate

• Roasted baby potatoes – a hearty side that absorbs the creamy sauce

• Garden salad with lemon vinaigrette – cuts through the richness perfectly

Wine Pairing Suggestions

• Chardonnay – buttery notes that mirror the lobster sauce

• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, refreshing contrast

• Sparkling wine – great for special occasions featuring seafood dishes

How to Store and Reheat Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie

To keep your Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve made individual ramekins, you can cover each one tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When it’s time to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crumb topping soggy and the lobster filling unevenly warm. For best results, reheat slowly in the oven to preserve the creamy texture and buttery flavor of the lobster pie.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Pie Recipes

1. What made the Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie so famous?

From what we remember, it was the simplicity and richness. Hilltop didn’t overload the dish with fillers-just tender lobster chunks in a creamy, buttery sauce with that iconic golden crumb topping. It was pure comfort food and incredibly generous with the lobster.

2. Did the original recipe use a pastry crust?

No, Hilltop’s lobster pie never used a pastry crust. It was always topped with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, which gave it that signature crispy finish.

3. What kind of crackers should I use for the topping?

Ritz-style buttery crackers work best. We’ve tested different brands and the buttery ones always produce the closest flavor and crunch to the original Hilltop version.

4. What is in the sauce/filling?

The filling is a simple cream-based sauce made with butter, flour, heavy cream, lobster stock, paprika, and a splash of sherry for depth. It’s rich but not overly thick-just enough to coat the lobster perfectly.

5. How much lobster meat is needed for this recipe?

About 1½ pounds of cooked lobster meat is ideal. That gives you a nice, generous amount-very much in the Hilltop style where you always tasted more lobster than sauce.

6. Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, frozen lobster works really well. We’ve made this recipe with high-quality frozen claw and knuckle meat, and the flavor is spot on. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the sauce.

7. What goes well with lobster pie?

We usually serve it with lighter sides like steamed asparagus, a crisp garden salad, or roasted potatoes. Anything fresh and simple helps balance the richness of the lobster and cream.

8. What is the best method of cooking lobster?

Boiling or steaming works best. We prefer steaming because the meat stays tender and the flavor is slightly sweeter. But either method works perfectly for this recipe.

9. Can I make this lobster pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it earlier in the day, keep it refrigerated, and add the crumb topping right before baking. It holds up really well and tastes freshly made.

10. Can I substitute other seafood if I don’t have lobster?

Absolutely. We’ve made versions using shrimp, scallops, or even a mix of seafood. It won’t be exactly like the Hilltop original, but it still makes an amazing seafood pie.

The Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie was a New England icon, and this recipe captures that same nostalgic comfort. With rich lobster flavor, a velvety cream base, and a perfectly crisp topping, this dish stands tall among all lobster pie recipes.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving seafood comfort food, this recipe delivers every time.

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