Creamy Lobster Focaccia Bread Boat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers elegance and comfort in one bite. The succulent lobster is folded into a creamy, cheesy sauce and loaded into soft, herb-infused focaccia, creating the ultimate edible bread bowl. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like something from a fine dining restaurant. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a special night in, this dish will impress every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked lobster meat (claw and tail, chopped)
focaccia loaf (whole, unsliced)
cream cheese
heavy cream
garlic (minced)
butter
grated Parmesan cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
lemon juice
fresh parsley or chives (chopped)
salt and pepper to taste
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice off the top of the focaccia loaf and hollow out the center, creating a “bread boat” while leaving the bottom and sides intact. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and melted.
5. Add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.
6. Fold in the lobster meat and season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Spoon the creamy lobster mixture into the hollowed-out focaccia loaf.
8. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot, slicing or pulling apart pieces of the focaccia.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 people, depending on whether it’s served as a main or appetizer. Preparation takes 20 minutes, and baking time is 15–20 minutes.

Variations

• Seafood mix: Add shrimp, crab, or scallops along with lobster for a seafood medley.
• Spicy kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Herb focaccia: Use rosemary or garlic focaccia for added depth of flavor.
• Cheese blend: Swap in fontina, Gruyère, or white cheddar for a more complex cheese flavor.
• Mini boats: Use individual focaccia rolls or small ciabatta loaves for personal servings.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the dairy content and bread texture.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before adding to the sauce.

What type of bread works best?

Focaccia is ideal for its thickness and flavor, but ciabatta or a dense sourdough loaf can work too.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

Is it okay to use imitation lobster?

You can, though the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. Real lobster is recommended for the best taste.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less thick and rich. You may need to reduce it a bit longer.

How do I hollow out the bread without breaking it?

Use a small serrated knife to carefully cut and scoop the inside, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread around the edges.

Can I make this without cheese?

The cheese is key to the creaminess, but you could reduce the amount or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.

What herbs work best as garnish?

Fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon add brightness and pair well with lobster.

Can I serve this cold?

This dish is best served hot when the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp.

What should I serve with this?

It pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Conclusion

The Creamy Lobster Focaccia Bread Boat is a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender lobster, rich cheese sauce, and warm focaccia, every bite is decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers impressive flavor and comfort in every slice.

Creamy Lobster Focaccia Bread Boat

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Creamy Lobster Focaccia Bread Boat is a decadent, cheesy seafood-filled loaf featuring tender lobster meat baked into herb-infused focaccia. Served hot and bubbling, this comforting yet elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or a rich, satisfying meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked lobster meat (claw and tail, chopped)
2. 1 whole focaccia loaf (unsliced)
3. 4 oz cream cheese
4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 tbsp butter
7. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
9. 1 tbsp lemon juice
10. 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
11. Salt and pepper, to taste
12. 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Slice off the top of the focaccia loaf and hollow out the center, creating a bread boat while leaving the sides and bottom intact.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella until sauce is creamy and thickened.
5. Fold in chopped lobster, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
6. Spoon the creamy lobster filling into the hollowed-out focaccia loaf.
7. Place the filled loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot. Slice or pull apart to enjoy.

Notes

• Use shrimp or crab to supplement or replace lobster for variety.
• Make the filling ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
• Choose a sturdy focaccia or ciabatta loaf to hold the creamy filling.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a flavor twist.
• Garnish with extra lemon zest for brightness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 loaf
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 115mg