If you are ready for an indulgent treat that will absolutely wow your taste buds, then you’ve got to try this Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish pairs crispy, golden sourdough packed with luscious lobster meat and melty Fromager cheese, all complemented by a silky, rich lobster bisque. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed by how restaurant-quality it felt without the fuss. Stick around — I’ll take you through every step to help you nail it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unmatched Flavor Combination: The lobster and creamy bisque elevate a simple toastie into a luxuriously rich meal.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Outcome: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make it feel like a special occasion.
- Fun and Impressive to Serve: This is the kind of recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a posh lunch, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work so well together because they build layers of flavor from scratch — from the lobster stock to the bisque to the melty cheese inside the toastie. When I shop for this recipe, I look for fresh lobster and a good-quality sourdough to make all the difference.
- Lobster (in shell): Fresh, if possible! It’s the star of the show, so good quality matters.
- Lobster stock: You’ll use this to intensify the bisque’s flavor — homemade or store-bought works in a pinch.
- Butter: For richness and crisping the toastie’s crust; don’t skimp here!
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and helps with frying.
- Celery stalks, carrots, onion: The classic trio for building flavorful stock and bisque base.
- Garlic cloves: For aromatic punch.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Brings freshness and an herby note.
- Tomato paste: Adds umami and balances the sweetness of lobster.
- White wine: For a slight acidity to cut through the richness.
- Lobster tail chunks: Packed inside the toastie for luscious bites of lobster meat.
- Fromager D’affinois Le Fromager (thick strips): This cheese melts beautifully and has a buttery flavor that I adore with lobster.
- Lobster bisque: A spoonful added inside the toastie makes it extra creamy and indulgent.
- Fresh chives: Finely cut for brightness and a bit of green color.
- Lemon juice: Just a squeeze to elevate and freshen flavors.
- White sourdough slices: Thick slices hold up well and toast beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy touch beneath the lobster filling.
Variations
I love customizing this Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe depending on the occasion — whether I want to keep it classic or add a twist. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the lobster mixture gives the toastie an exciting heat that my family adores.
- Cheese Swap: If you can’t find Fromager, try Gruyère or aged cheddar — both melt well and offer robust flavors.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free sourdough bread and check that your mayonnaise is gluten-free to enjoy this dish without any gluten concerns.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with tarragon or dill instead of thyme for a different herbal twist.
How to Make Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Stock and Bisque Base
First, crack open your lobster shells — use the claws, shells, and bodies to make a luscious stock. Combine with roughly chopped celery, carrots, onion, and aromatic garlic cloves in a large pot with a splash of olive oil and butter. Add fresh thyme sprigs for depth. Cook gently, stirring in tomato paste for richness. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pot and let it simmer low and slow for about 90 minutes — you’ll see the stock deepen in color and flavor. Strain it afterward to get a smooth, clear base for your lobster bisque.”
Step 2: Make the Lobster Bisque
With your lobster stock ready, slowly simmer it down to concentrate the flavors, then blend it until smooth. If you like, add a splash of cream or butter for that signature bisque creaminess. I like to spoon a little of this bisque inside my toastie filling — it creates that melt-in-your-mouth luxurious texture that really elevates the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Toastie Filling
Cut your lobster tail into generous chunks — this is the star protein you want to shine. Mix these chunks gently with mayonnaise, finely chopped chives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Spread a spoonful of the prepared lobster bisque within the filling for creamy indulgence. Layer in thick strips of Fromager cheese to ensure that satisfying melty texture.
Step 4: Build and Cook Your Lobster Toastie
Generously butter one side of each sourdough slice. Heat a skillet with a mixture of butter and extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Place one slice buttered side down, spread the lobster mixture evenly on top, and cover with the other slice buttered side up. Press down gently with a spatula and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. I’ve learned not to rush this part — patience yields a perfectly crispy crust with oozy cheese inside.
Step 5: Serve with Lobster Bisque
Serve your lobster toastie warm with a side of the remaining hot lobster bisque. This pairing is my favorite because you get the crunchy, rich toastie bites with the soothing warmth of the bisque — it’s a match made in heaven.
Pro Tips for Making Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Lobster: Cook lobster just until opaque to keep it tender and juicy in the filling.
- Low and Slow Toasting: Toast the sandwich over medium heat to prevent burning while melting cheese perfectly.
- Make Extra Bisque: It freezes well and makes a quick gourmet sauce for future meals.
- Use Quality Bread: Thick sourdough holds the filling beautifully without getting soggy.
How to Serve Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives over the top of the toastie just before serving. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side — it brightens up each bite and balances the richness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully here to cut through the richness. Sometimes I serve it with roasted asparagus or even a simple bowl of steamed baby potatoes tossed in butter and herbs for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like slicing the toastie into bite-sized squares, served alongside little dipping bowls of lobster bisque. It makes for a fancy appetizer-style serving that guests love. Using cocktail picks to hold them together adds a classy touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), wrap the toastie tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. I find it best eaten within 24 hours as the bread can soften over time, but the flavors stay delightful.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the lobster bisque with great success, storing it in airtight containers. Just thaw gently and reheat on the stove when ready. I don’t usually freeze the toastie itself because the texture suffers, but if you must, wrap it tightly and toast it again to freshen.
Reheating
To reheat the toastie, use a low oven or skillet to bring back the crunch without drying it out. For the bisque, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen lobster for this Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster can be a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using. While fresh lobster imparts the best flavor, frozen lobster still works well, especially when combined with a flavorful bisque.
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How long does the lobster bisque keep?
Properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, lobster bisque will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months without losing quality.
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What’s the best cheese substitute if I can’t find Fromager?
Gruyère or aged cheddar are my top substitutes. They both melt well and provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile that complements the lobster.
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Can I make the lobster stock and bisque ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the stock and bisque ahead is a great way to save time the day you want to assemble the toasties. Just store them separately in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transformed the way I think about a humble toastie. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about that rich, cheesy lobster filling and the comforting warmth of bisque alongside. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Lobster Toastie with Lobster Bisque Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 100 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Lobster Toastie with a Lobster Bisque combines tender lobster meat and rich cheese inside a crispy sourdough sandwich, paired with a creamy, flavorful lobster bisque. Perfect for an indulgent meal, this recipe showcases the luxurious flavors of lobster through both a toasted sandwich and a delicately cooked bisque.
Ingredients
Lobster Bisque
- 1 kg lobster (in shell)
- 4 cups lobster stock
- 100 g butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 celery stalks (roughly chopped)
- 2 carrots (roughly chopped)
- 1 onion (roughly chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lobster tail (250g, cut into large chunks)
Lobster Toastie
- 100 g Fromager D’affinois Le Fromager (sliced into thick strips)
- 4 tbsp lobster bisque
- fresh chives (finely cut)
- squeeze of lemon juice
- 4 slices white sourdough
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 50 g butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Bisque Base: Begin by heating 100 g butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add roughly chopped celery, carrots, onion, and garlic cloves, sautéing until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook briefly. Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, allowing it to reduce by half to concentrate the flavors.
- Cook Lobster and Stock: Add the lobster shells (from the 1 kg lobster) and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot. Pour in 4 cups lobster stock, bring to a simmer, and let cook for about 60 minutes to extract deep flavors.
- Prepare the Lobster Meat: While the bisque simmers, remove the lobster meat from the shells, reserving the lobster tail chunks separately (250 g). Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces for the toastie filling.
- Blend and Strain Bisque: Remove thyme sprigs and lobster shells from the bisque. Blend the bisque until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve to ensure a silky texture. Return the bisque to low heat.
- Add Lobster Tail to Bisque: Add the lobster tail chunks to the bisque and cook gently until they turn opaque and tender, around 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble Toasties: Spread mayonnaise evenly on 4 slices of white sourdough bread. On two slices, layer the chopped lobster meat, thick strips of Fromager D’affinois cheese, a splash of 4 tbsp lobster bisque, fresh chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Cook Toasties: Heat 50 g butter and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the hot lobster toasties alongside warm bowls of the luscious lobster bisque for dipping or sipping.
Notes
- This toastie offers a perfect balance of textures with a crispy crust, tender lobster meat, and creamy melted cheese, enriched further by the bisque.
- Use fresh lobster and homemade lobster stock wherever possible for the best flavor.
- Fromager D’affinois adds a rich and creamy texture; you can substitute with Brie or Camembert if unavailable.
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster tail chunks in the bisque to keep them tender.
- Feel free to garnish with additional chives or a light drizzle of lemon juice for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 lobster toastie and 1 bowl bisque)
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg