Baked Stuffed Lobster with Buttered Cracker & Crab Stuffing

 

Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes at 375°F (larger lobsters lean toward the higher end)
Serves: 1–2 people

Treat your table to a true Maine coastal classic with this baked stuffed lobster. This dish has deep roots in New England kitchens, where cooks would transform a whole lobster into a centerpiece by filling it with a buttery, seafood-rich stuffing and roasting it until everything turns golden and aromatic. The process feels celebratory, yet the ingredients are wonderfully simple: crushed crackers soaked in warm butter, delicate crab folded in for sweetness, and a split lobster ready to cradle it all. As it bakes, the stuffing forms a crisp, savory crust while the lobster steams gently inside its shell. Serve it straight from the oven with herbs, lemon, and plenty of drawn butter, and you get a meal that feels both rustic and elegant—comfortable enough for a family dinner, show-stopping enough for a holiday table. Each bite offers that unmistakable Maine flavor, rich but never heavy, like a seaside tradition you can make any night of the week.

Ingredients List

  • 1.5 live Maine lobster (about 1.5–2 lb)
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
  • 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup lump crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mixed herbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Cooking Instructions:

Recipe created by Julianna Deschenes for Maine Lobster Now®

1. Gather & Prep Your Ingredients.

Start with a fresh live lobster, buttery crackers, melted butter, fresh herbs, and your seafood of choice for the stuffing (traditionally crab or shrimp). Arrange everything within reach so the process is smooth and efficient.

2. Combine Crackers & Butter.

Crush your crackers into a bowl, then pour warm melted butter over the top and mix thoroughly. This creates the rich, savory base for the classic New England stuffing.

3. Add Seafood to the Stuffing Mix.

Fold in your seafood addition, tender crab meat. Gently mix until evenly incorporated, creating a moist stuffing.

4. Prepare & Stuff the Lobster.

Split the lobster lengthwise, clean out the cavity, and generously pack the stuffing along the body. Mound it high so it bakes into a golden, buttery crust.

5. Bake Until Golden.

Transfer the stuffed lobster to a sheet pan and bake at 375°F for 25+ minutes, adjusting time based on lobster size. Bake until the stuffing is lightly browned and the lobster is fully cooked.

6. Garnish & Serve Hot

Finish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with warm melted butter for drizzling or dipping!