Lobster Fondue: A Decadent, Creamy Comfort Food

Lobster fondue is an indulgent dish that combines the creamy texture of fondue with the sweetness of lobster. It is often served as a special occasion dish or at parties, where guests can dip an assortment of bread, vegetables, or seafood into the fondue. While there are many variations of lobster fondue, a common ingredient across recipes is cheese, with Swiss cheese and Gruyere being popular choices. Lobster fondue can be served in a traditional fondue pot or, for an extra touch of decadence, a hollowed-out bread bowl made from sourdough or French bread.

Lobster fondue recipes

Red Lobster Ultimate Fondue

This copycat recipe is inspired by Red Lobster's famous Ultimate Fondue, which was removed from their menu over ten years ago. The fondue is served in a bread bowl, typically made from sourdough or French bread, and is accompanied by bite-sized pieces of bread.

Ingredients:

• Cooked lobster meat or langostino
• Swiss cheese
• American cheese
• Campbell's Cream of Shrimp Condensed Soup
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Red bell pepper
• Green onions
• Milk

Instructions:

• Cut the lobster into small pieces.
• Combine all ingredients except seafood and bread in a medium saucepan.
• Heat the ingredients on low heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the seafood after the cheese melts and heat through until the seafood is warm.
• Meanwhile, hollow out the bread to create a bowl, keeping the centre intact.
• Cut the removed bread into bite-sized pieces.
• Place the bread bowl on a plate and surround it with the bite-sized bread pieces.
• Pour the fondue into the bread bowl and garnish with green onions.
• Serve and enjoy!

Lobster Bisque Fondue

This unique fondue combines the flavours of lobster bisque with the fun, interactive experience of fondue. It's perfect for a cozy meal or as an appetizer for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• Grated Gruyere cheese
• Cornstarch
• Garlic clove
• Dry white wine
• Lobster or seafood stock
• Brandy
• Half-and-half
• Cooked and shelled lobster meat
• Lemon juice
• Cubed bread or toasted croutons
• Blanched asparagus spears
• Roasted red peppers
• Radishes
• Grilled zucchini or summer squash
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Roasted baby potatoes

Instructions:

• Toss the grated cheese with the cornstarch and set aside.
• Place the garlic clove, white wine, and stock in a fondue pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Discard the garlic clove.
• Gradually whisk in the cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
• Whisk in the brandy and half-and-half, and season with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice to taste.
• Just before serving, stir in the cooked lobster meat.
• Transfer the fondue pot to a warmer and serve with your desired accompaniments.

Maine Lobster Fondue

This indulgent fondue is perfect for a fondue night or as an elegant appetizer. It features wild-caught Maine lobster and a combination of Swiss and Gruyere cheeses.

Ingredients:

• Bite-sized chunks of cooked Maine lobster meat
• Shredded Swiss cheese
• Shredded Gruyere cheese
• Flour or cornstarch
• Garlic cloves
• Dry white wine
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Arrange the lobster pieces in a serving dish as desired.
• Mix the cheeses with flour or cornstarch in a large bowl using a fork.
• Crush the garlic cloves and rub the fondue dish or saucepan with the crushed garlic.
• Pour wine into the fondue dish and heat until bubbles form on the surface.
• Stir in lemon juice and continue to heat.
• Gradually add the cheese, stirring constantly over low heat, until melted and desired consistency is reached.
• If using a saucepan, transfer the hot fondue mixture to a heated fondue dish and serve immediately with lobster chunks.

Lobster fondue serving suggestions

Lobster fondue is a decadent and indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions and get-togethers. It is a type of fondue that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of fondue with the sweetness of lobster. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your lobster fondue experience:

Presentation Ideas

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy food, and presentation plays a crucial part in enhancing the overall experience. Here are some ideas to make your lobster fondue a visual delight:

• Bread Bowl: One of the most popular ways to serve lobster fondue is in a bread bowl, typically made from sourdough or French bread. Hollow out the centre of the loaf to create a bowl, and place the fondue inside. The bread bowl not only looks impressive but also provides delicious dippers. Cut the bread you removed from the centre into bite-sized pieces, and serve them alongside the fondue.
• Fondue Pot: If you don't want to use a bread bowl, a traditional fondue pot is always a good option. Transfer your lobster fondue to a heated fondue pot and place it in the centre of the table.
• Garnishes: Add a pop of colour and a boost of flavour to your lobster fondue by garnishing it with chopped herbs such as chives, parsley, or green onions.

Dippers and Accompaniments

The beauty of fondue is that it offers endless possibilities for customisation. Here are some dippers and accompaniments to serve with your lobster fondue:

• Bread: Whether you serve it in a bread bowl or not, bread is a must-have dipper for fondue. Cubed or sliced sourdough, French bread, or crusty Italian bread are all excellent choices. For an extra crispy texture, drizzle the bread pieces with olive oil and broil them before serving.
• Vegetables: Assorted crisp vegetables make great dippers for lobster fondue. Try carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, blanched asparagus spears, roasted red peppers, radishes, grilled zucchini, or summer squash.
• Crackers, Pretzels, and Chips: For a crunchy contrast to the creamy fondue, serve it with crackers, pretzels, or chips.
• Fruit: While it may seem unconventional, certain types of fruit can complement the flavours of lobster fondue. Try sliced apples, pears, or grapes for a sweet and refreshing contrast.

Drinks

To complete the lobster fondue experience, here are some drink suggestions to pair with this indulgent dish:

• Wine: A crisp, dry white wine will complement the lobster and cheese flavours beautifully. A light, fruity red wine can also work well.
• Beer: For beer lovers, a crisp lager or a pale ale will pair nicely with the fondue.
• Cocktails: If you want to get creative, mix up some cocktails to accompany your lobster fondue. A classic Champagne cocktail or a refreshing gin and tonic can be excellent choices.

Remember, lobster fondue is all about customisation and enjoying your favourite flavours. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and dippers to create your ultimate lobster fondue experience!

Lobster fondue history

Lobster fondue is a decadent dish that combines the creamy, savoury flavours of cheese fondue with the sweetness of lobster meat. It is often served with a variety of dippers, such as bread, vegetables, or seafood, and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

While the history of lobster fondue itself is unclear, the practice of fondue has a long history. Fondue, which means "melted" in French, originated in Switzerland as a simple peasant dish, using ingredients readily available to farmers in the Swiss Alps. The traditional Swiss fondue is a pot of melted cheese, typically made with Gruyère, Emmenthal, or Appenzeller, and flavoured with garlic and wine. This savoury dish was first mentioned in a cookbook in 1699, but it is believed to have been consumed by Swiss farmers for centuries before that.

Over time, fondue gained popularity beyond Switzerland, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, when it became a symbol of Swiss culture and hospitality. It spread across Europe and North America, with various regions developing their own unique variations. For example, the French are known for their fondue savoyarde, which includes white wine and a blend of cheeses, while the Belgians favour a fondue made with beer and a variety of cheeses.

In the 1970s, fondue became a popular trend, with home fondue sets becoming a common fixture at dinner parties. While its popularity has waxed and waned since then, fondue continues to be enjoyed by many, with creative variations constantly emerging, such as the lobster fondue.

One particularly notable version of lobster fondue was the Red Lobster Ultimate Fondue, which was served as an appetizer in Red Lobster restaurants. This fondue was served in a sourdough bread bowl, with the hollowed-out bread pieces and other dippers on the side. However, this dish was eventually removed from their menu, leaving fans of the fondue to recreate it at home.

Lobster fondue cooking tips

Lobster fondue is a decadent and indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions and get-togethers. It combines the creaminess of cheese fondue with the sweetness of lobster, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering experience. Here are some tips to help you create the ultimate lobster fondue:

Choosing the Right Lobster

Select live lobsters or fresh, high-quality lobster meat. The lobster should have a firm shell and be active, with its tail curled under its body. If you're using pre-cooked lobster, ensure it's stored properly and has no fishy odour.

Preparing the Lobster

If you're starting with live lobsters, you'll need to humanely dispatch them before cooking. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to sedate them, then use a sharp knife to quickly sever the nerve centre behind the eyes. Next, boil or steam the lobsters until the shells turn bright red. Remove the meat from the shells and cut it into bite-sized chunks.

Cheese Selection

The type of cheese you choose will significantly impact the flavour and texture of your fondue. Traditional Swiss cheese, such as Gruyere, is a popular choice for its smooth melt and slightly nutty flavour. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as Swiss and American, or Swiss and Jarlsberg, to create a unique flavour profile.

Creating the Perfect Consistency

To achieve the ideal fondue consistency, use a combination of cheese, starch, and liquid. Toss the grated cheese with cornstarch or flour before melting to help thicken the mixture. Gradually add wine, broth, or cream to the cheese, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add more liquid; if it's too thin, add more cheese or starch.

Serving Tips

Lobster fondue is typically served in a fondue pot or a hollowed-out bread bowl, such as sourdough or French bread. Provide an assortment of dippers, such as cubed bread, toasted croutons, blanched asparagus spears, roasted vegetables, or crackers. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your fondue with sliced green onions or chopped herbs like chives or parsley.

Storing and Reheating

Lobster fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, avoid using a microwave, as it can cause the fondue to separate. Instead, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until it's evenly warmed through.

Lobster fondue alternatives

Lobster fondue is a rich and indulgent dish, perfect for a special occasion or as a decadent appetizer. While the classic combination of lobster and cheese is mouthwatering, there are several alternative options to explore. Here are some ideas to switch up your fondue game:

Seafood Alternatives:

Lobster fondue shines a spotlight on the sweet and succulent taste of lobster. However, you can experiment with other types of seafood to create a different flavour profile. Crab, shrimp, scallops, and langostino are all excellent choices that will complement the creamy cheese fondue. For example, crab fondue with a hint of Old Bay seasoning can be a delicious variation.

Cheese Variations:

The type of cheese you use can significantly impact the overall taste of your fondue. While some recipes call for Velveeta, Swiss cheese, or a mix of Swiss and American cheese, you can try experimenting with other varieties. Gruyere, Jarlsberg, or Monterey Jack cheese can add a unique twist to your fondue and pair beautifully with seafood.

Bread Bowl Alternatives:

The classic way to serve lobster fondue is in a sourdough bread bowl, with the hollowed-out bread pieces for dipping. However, you can explore other types of crusty bread, such as French or Italian bread, to create a slightly different flavour and texture experience. Toasting the bread pieces before serving can also add a nice crispy texture.

Dippers and Garnishes:

Fondue is all about the dippers and garnishes! While lobster fondue is often served with bread, you can offer a variety of alternatives to your guests. Assorted crisp vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, or cauliflower can be a refreshing option. Crackers, pretzels, or chips can also be fun additions for dipping. For garnishes, you can explore herbs like chives or parsley to add a fresh touch to your fondue.

Spices and Seasonings:

Playing with different spices and seasonings is an easy way to switch up your lobster fondue. Cayenne pepper, paprika, and bell peppers are commonly used in lobster fondue recipes. However, you can try adding garlic, basil, saffron, or even a pinch of lemon peel to enhance the flavour and give it your unique twist.

Slow Cooker Option:

If you're serving lobster fondue for a party or large gathering, consider using a slow cooker. This cooking method ensures that your fondue stays warm and creamy throughout the event. Simply combine all the ingredients except the seafood in the slow cooker and let it heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Then, add the seafood, and you're ready to serve a delicious fondue!

Frequently asked questions