Lobster Cocktail Croustades

A croustade is a small, crisp edible shell or base—typically made from toasted bread, pastry, or fried dough—used to hold a filling. In classic French cuisine, croustades are often baked or fried until golden and brittle, providing textural contrast to soft or creamy toppings. In this recipe which we call a lobster cocktail croustade, it is a thin, oven-baked bread cup that supports the lobster cocktail without becoming soggy.

Yield

• 2 servings (2 large croustades or 4 small appetizer croustades)

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Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Rolling pin or wine bottle

• Oven-safe ramekins or muffin tin (for shaping croustades)

• Mixing bowl

• Small whisk or spoon

• Chef’s knife

• Cutting board

• Measuring spoons

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Time Requirements

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Assembly time: 5 minutes

• Total time: ~40 minutes

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Ingredients

Croustades

• 2 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Lobster Cocktail Filling

• 120 g (4 oz) cooked lobster meat, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon crème fraîche or sour cream

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon finely diced celery

• 1 teaspoon chopped chives

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

• Lemon zest

• Extra chives

• Microgreens or parsley

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Preparation and Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Croustades

1. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.

2. Roll each bread slice thin using a rolling pin.

3. Brush both sides lightly with melted butter.

4. Press bread into inverted ramekins or muffin tin wells to form shallow cups.

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp.

6. Cool completely before filling (prevents sogginess).

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2. Prepare the Lobster Cocktail

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, crème fraîche, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

2. Fold in lobster meat, celery, and chives.

3. Season lightly with salt and white pepper.

4. Chill for 10 minutes if time allows for best flavor integration.

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3. Assemble

1. Spoon lobster mixture into cooled croustades just before serving.

2. Garnish with lemon zest, chives, or microgreens as desired.

3. Serve immediately.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Values are estimates and will vary based on bread, mayonnaise brand, and lobster size.

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Serving Notes

• Serve as a starter or canapé with sparkling wine or a dry white (Chablis or Sancerre).

• For added elegance, line the croustade with a thin lettuce leaf before filling.