Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe [2026]

Introduction

The Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe is more than just a seafood dish—it’s a piece of New England history. If you ever sat under the giant cactus at Hilltop Steakhouse, you know exactly why this creamy lobster pie became legendary.

» As a chef, I’ve cooked with lobster in every way you can imagine—grilled, broiled, butter-poached, even raw. But nothing hits the heart quite like the Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe 2026.

» The first time I tasted it years ago, I remember thinking, this isn’t fancy food pretending to be elegant—this is cozy comfort food dressed in luxury. This lobster pie was creamy, buttery, and packed with seafood—no crust, no fuss, just pure satisfaction.

After years of testing and tweaking in my own kitchen, I’m sharing a version that stays true to the original spirit while being easy enough for home cooks today.

So, let get started!

👉 What Is Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie?

» Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie is a classic New England–style seafood casserole made famous by the iconic Hilltop Steakhouse in Massachusetts.

» Despite the name, it isn’t a traditional pie with pastry. Instead, it features tender lobster, shrimp, and white fish folded into a rich, buttery cream sauce, then topped with crushed buttery crackers and baked until golden and bubbling.

» Tender chunks of lobster

» Packed with seafoods

» A rich, creamy butter sauce

» A golden, crunchy cracker topping

It’s baked until bubbly and served hot, usually straight from the dish.

👉 Why This Lobster Pie Recipe Is So Famous!

This homemade recipe earned its reputation for a few simple reasons:

» It used real lobster, not filler

» The sauce was rich but not heavy

» The seafood stayed tender, never rubbery

» The buttery topping added the perfect crunch

Even years after Hilltop Steakhouse closed, people still search for this dish because the flavor sticks with you. As a chef, I respect homemade recipes like this—they don’t chase trends, they create memories.

👉 Kitchen Tools For Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe, just the basics.

» Mixing bowls

» Oven mitts

» Measuring cups and spoons

» Baking dish or casserole pan

» Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

» Large saucepan (for the creamy sauce)

» Medium skillet (to lightly cook seafood)

» Whisk (for smooth, lump-free sauce)

Chef tip:

A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps prevent scorching the cream sauce.

Ingredients Needed for Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie

» Here’s a clear, chef-style ingredient list with exact quantities, to make this homemade Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie recipe 2026.

👉 Main Ingredients

♥ 2 cups cooked lobster meat

♥ 1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and lightly cooked

♥ 1 cup white fish (cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces

♥ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

♥ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

♥ 1 cup heavy cream

♥ 1 cup whole milk

♥ ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

♥ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

♥ ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for mild warmth)

♥ ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

♥ 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers (Ritz-style)

♥ 3 tablespoons melted butter

♥ 1 tablespoon butter (to grease the baking dish)

Chef note:

A mix of claw and tail lobster meat gives the best flavor and texture.

This quantity serves 4 generous portions, just like a classic steakhouse serving—rich, comforting, and satisfying.

👉 Best Seafood for Authentic Flavor

As a chef, I always say: Great seafood doesn’t need much help.

» Lobster: Maine lobster is ideal. Claw meat gives sweetness, tail adds texture.

» Fish: Cod or haddock works best because they stay flaky.

» Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect—don’t go too small.

Fresh is always best, but high-quality frozen seafood works well if thawed properly.

⭐ Recipes You May Also Like!

» Olive Garden Broccoli

» Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad

» Jersey Mike’s Sub The Juice

» Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Sauce

» Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice

» Longhorn Steakhouse Chocolate Stampede Cake

Step-by-Step Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe 2026

Here are some common steps you can follow to make this authentic Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe 2026, with practical tips, simple language, and a warm, home-cooked feel.

🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 1 hour
💰 Estimated Cost: Moderate to High (depends on lobster prices)

👉 Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Gently

♥ Start by cutting the cooked lobster into large, bite-sized chunks.

♥ Lightly cook the shrimp and white fish just until tender, then remove them from the heat immediately.

Chef tips:

♥ Keep lobster pieces big, so they stay juicy

♥ Pat the seafood dry to avoid excess moisture

♥ Do not fully cook the seafood—it finishes cooking in the oven

👉 Step 2: Make the Creamy Butter Sauce

♥ Now, in a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook gently.

♥ Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.

Chef tips:

♥ Whisk constantly to avoid lumps

♥ Keep seasoning light—lobster flavor comes first

👉 Step 3: Combine Seafood and Sauce

♥ Gently fold the lobster, shrimp, and fish into the warm cream sauce.

♥ Mix just until everything is evenly coated without breaking the seafood.

Chef tips:

♥ Use a spatula, not a whisk

♥ Stir slowly to protect seafood texture

♥ Taste once more and adjust the seasoning lightly

👉 Step 4: Assemble & Add the Topping

♥ Now, place the mixture into a baking dish.

♥ Mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and sprinkle generously over the top.

Chef tips:

♥ Don’t press the topping down—keep it loose

♥ Cover the surface evenly for a good crunch

♥ Use real butter for authentic steakhouse flavor

👉 Step 5: Bake Until Golden, Rest and Serve!

♥ Bake until the lobster pie is bubbling around the edges and the top turns golden.

♥ Now, your lobster pie is ready, and let it rest before serving.

Chef tips:

♥ Resting helps the sauce thicken naturally

♥ Serve warm, not piping hot

♥ A short rest keeps the pie creamy, not runny

This 5-step method is exactly how I’d make the Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe in kitchen—simple, careful, and full of respect for the ingredients.

👨‍🍳 Chef Tips to Get That Original Steakhouse Taste

These small details make a big difference:

» Never boil lobster too long

» Keep seasoning simple

» Use real butter—no substitutes

» Let the pie rest so the sauce sets

In my kitchen, patience is the secret ingredient.

Ingredient Substitutes Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe

👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps

You can also try some of the healthy variations of this recipe by some common ingredient swaps without losing the authentic flavors.

» Use whole-grain crackers for topping

» Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

» Add steamed vegetables like peas or spinach

» Reduce the butter slightly and add more milk

» Increase seafood and reduce the sauce quantity

👉 Recipe Variations You Can Try

Want to change things up while keeping the soul intact?

» Extra-Cheesy Lobster Pie: Add mild white cheddar

» Luxury Lobster Pie: Use lobster only, no other seafood

» Mini Lobster Pies: Bake in ramekins for parties

» Spicy Variation: Lightly sprinkle cayenne or paprika

» Low-Carb Version: Skip crackers, use almond crumb topping

Each version still respects the original steakhouse flavor.

👉 Variations & Modern Twists (2026 Style)

Want to change it up?

» Individual ramekin lobster pies

» Extra-cheesy version with mild cheddar

» Low-carb option with almond-crumb topping

» Luxury upgrade with jumbo lobster chunks only

The base recipe stays strong no matter the twist.

Tips for the Perfect Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe

These are lessons learned from years behind the stove:

Don’t overcook the seafood before baking

Keep lobster chunks large for texture

Season gently—lobster shines on its own

Make the sauce thick before baking

Let the pie rest 5–10 minutes before serving

👉 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This dish stores better than you might expect.

» Refrigerator: Keep the Pie in an airtight container for up to 2 days

» Freezer: Freeze before baking for 1 month maximum

» Make Ahead: Cover the pie completely & refrigerate up to 24 hours

Avoid microwaving if possible—it changes the texture.

👉 Garnish & Presentation Tips

Hilltop Steakhouse kept things simple—and so should you.

» Sprinkle chopped parsley for color

» Add lemon wedges on the side

» Finish with a light butter drizzle

» Serve in the baking dish for rustic charm

» Use white plates to highlight the golden topping

Presentation should say comfort, not competition.

👉 Reheating & Topping Ideas

♨️ Reheating Tips

» Warm slowly to keep the seafood tender and the sauce creamy

» Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the topping

» Avoid microwaving, as it can make lobster rubbery

🧈 Topping Ideas

» Extra crushed buttery crackers with melted butter

» Light sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives

» A small drizzle of warm butter before serving

Touch of paprika for color, not heat

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cooking Lobster Pie

There are some most common mistakes you can avoid very easily while making this Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe 2026 at home:

» Overcooking the seafood

» Making the sauce too thin

» Using too much seasoning

» Skipping the topping crunch

Remember: balance is everything.

Best Pairing Ideas for Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie

The Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie is rich, creamy, and comforting, so the best pairings are lighter sides that don’t compete with the lobster.

» Roasted broccoli or carrots

» Garlic bread (lightly toasted)

» Lemon wedges for freshness

» Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

» Crisp white wine or sparkling water

» Steamed green beans or asparagus

» Simple green salad with lemon dressing

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Serving Tip

Serve lobster pie hot but not piping.

Best Alternate Recipes to Lobster Pie You Can Try

If you love this Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster pie, you’ll enjoy some of the recipes too:

» Crab Imperial Recipe

» Seafood Newburg

» Creamy Cod au Gratin

» Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails

» New England Lobster Casserole

» Creamy Shrimp and Scallop Bake

» Salmon Tempura Roll

» La Michoacana Yogurt

» Yard House Brussel Sprouts

» Blueberry Moonshine Recipe

» McAlister’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

These recipes share the same rich, coastal comfort vibe.

Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe Nutrition Facts

Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.

Antonio Morelli

Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe

A rich and creamy New England–style lobster pie inspired by the iconic Hilltop Steakhouse. Packed with tender lobster, shrimp, and white fish, then topped with a buttery cracker crust for pure comfort in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, New England, Seafood

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 1 cup shrimp, lightly cooked
• 1 cup white fish (cod or haddock)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Baking dish
• Rubber spatula

Method

 

1. Gently prepare the seafood and set aside.
2. Make a creamy butter sauce by whisking butter, flour, milk, and cream until thick.
3. Fold seafood into the sauce carefully.
4. Transfer to a buttered baking dish and top with cracker mixture.
5. Now, perfectly bake the lobster pie & rest before serving.

Notes

• Use real butter for authentic steakhouse flavor
• Avoid overcooking seafood before baking

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• Let the pie rest so the sauce sets properly
• Best served fresh, but reheats well in the oven

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to reheat lobster pie?

Reheat lobster pie in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil, to keep it moist and creamy. Heat until warmed through, then uncover briefly to refresh the topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery seafood.

What goes well with lobster pie?

Lobster pie pairs best with light sides that balance its rich, creamy texture. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, simple salads, warm dinner rolls, and lemon wedges work perfectly without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor.

Why did my lobster pie turn watery?

Lobster pie can turn watery if the sauce isn’t thick enough before baking or if the seafood releases excess moisture. Pre-cook seafood lightly and make sure the cream sauce coats the back of a spoon before assembling.

Is lobster pie supposed to have a crust?

Traditional Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie does not have a pastry crust. Instead, it uses a buttery cracker topping that adds crunch while keeping the dish rich, creamy, and focused on the seafood rather than the dough.

What type of lobster is best for lobster pie?

Maine lobster is ideal for lobster pie because it has sweet, tender meat. Using a mix of claw and tail meat gives the best balance of flavor and texture without becoming chewy during baking.

Can I freeze Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie?

Lobster pie freezes best before baking. Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for the most consistent texture and flavor.

Can I make lobster pie without other seafood?

Yes, lobster pie can be made using only lobster meat. This version is richer and more luxurious, though it costs more. Simply increase the lobster amount and keep the sauce and topping measurements the same.

How do I keep lobster pie from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking lobster before baking. Cook it just until tender, then let it finish in the oven. Gentle heat and a creamy sauce help keep the lobster moist and soft.

My Final Conclusion

As a chef, I believe some homemade recipes like the Hilltop Steakhouse Lobster Pie Recipe 2026 deserve to live on. This dish isn’t about showing off—it’s about sharing something rich, warm, and deeply comforting with people you care about.

» If you’ve never tried lobster pie, start here. And if you remember Hilltop Steakhouse as I do, one bite will take you right back.

Now, if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this lobster pie recipe then, write to me in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you! Till then..

Happy Cooking!

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