Christmas Eve Buffet Supper
A rich and creamy seafood buffet dish featuring lobster, crab, and shrimp in a cheesy sauce, perfect for festive gatherings and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. jar sliced mushrooms with liquid
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp American cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon powdered dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz. can frozen cooked lobster meat ⓘ
- 12 oz. package frozen cooked crab meat ⓘ
- 8 oz. package fresh or frozen cooked shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.
- Stir in chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and strained sliced mushrooms with liquid.
- Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Return to heat and gradually stir in milk, cooking until thickened while stirring constantly.
- Stir in shredded cheese, lemon juice, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the cheese melts.
- Add broken lobster, crab meat, and cooked shrimp to the sauce.
- Heat the mixture to boiling point and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of butter and olive oil. If you don't have lobster, feel free to substitute with additional shrimp or crab. Use low-fat milk for a lighter version, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. This dish can be a great way to utilize leftover seafood from dishes like Oyster-Seafood And Noodle Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent seafood dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Deviled Egg Pate for a festive buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the seafood to become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Eve Buffet Supper contains roughly 467 calories, with 11g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1127mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh seafood can be used in this recipe. Just ensure it's properly cooked before adding it to the sauce. Fresh lobster, crab, and shrimp will enhance the flavors, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using mushrooms, zucchini, and artichoke hearts in place of the seafood. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and add extra cheese for creaminess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).