Australian lobster mornay pies

Australian Lobster Mornay Pies

Rich, indulgent, and unmistakably Australian, lobster mornay pies are the ultimate celebration of coastal cuisine. Combining sweet, tender lobster meat with a creamy, cheese-infused mornay sauce and encasing it in crisp pastry, these pies elevate the classic Australian meat pie into something truly luxurious.

Popular in seaside bakeries and at festive gatherings, Australian lobster mornay pies are perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or when you want to impress with something uniquely memorable. Served hot with a squeeze of lemon or a crisp green salad, they offer comfort food with a gourmet twist.

What Is Lobster Mornay?

Mornay sauce is a classic French sauce made by enriching béchamel with cheese—typically Gruyère or cheddar. In Australia, it’s commonly paired with seafood, especially lobster, creating a creamy, savory sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the meat without overpowering it.

When tucked inside flaky pastry, lobster mornay becomes the star of a truly indulgent pie.

Ingredients (Makes 4 individual pies)

For the Lobster Mornay Filling

1½ cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (warm)
½ cup grated cheddar or Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon dry white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and white pepper, to taste
Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)

For the Pastry

1 sheet shortcrust pastry (for bases)
1 sheet puff pastry (for lids)

For Assembly

1 egg, beaten (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mornay Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.

Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and add the cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Mix in Dijon mustard, white wine (if using), lemon juice, salt, white pepper, and paprika or cayenne. Remove from heat.

2. Add the Lobster

Gently fold the chopped lobster meat into the mornay sauce. Take care not to overmix or overheat—the lobster should remain tender. Set the filling aside to cool completely.

Cooling is essential to prevent soggy pastry.

3. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cut rounds from the shortcrust pastry to line greased pie tins or a muffin pan. Press gently into the bases and trim excess.

Spoon the cooled lobster mornay filling into each pastry shell.

Cut slightly larger rounds from the puff pastry for the lids. Place over the filling, seal edges, and crimp if desired. Brush the tops with beaten egg and cut a small steam slit.

4. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is risen and golden brown.

Remove from oven and allow pies to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Lobster Mornay Pies

Australian lobster mornay pies are best enjoyed:

Hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon
With a simple green salad
Alongside chips or roasted potatoes
With a glass of crisp white wine

They’re ideal for festive lunches, Christmas seafood spreads, or elegant dinners.

Tips for Perfect Pies

Use cooked lobster: Avoid adding raw lobster directly to the sauce
Cool filling fully: Prevents pastry collapse
Don’t overpower the lobster: Keep seasoning subtle
Bake hot: Ensures flaky, crisp pastry

Variations

Prawn Mornay Pies: Substitute lobster with cooked prawns
Mixed Seafood: Combine lobster with scallops or crab
Cheese Swap: Try Parmesan or Swiss for a sharper flavor
Mini Party Pies: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-size versions

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store baked pies for up to 2 days
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pies for up to 2 months
Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through

Final Thoughts

Australian lobster mornay pies bring together everything we love about classic Aussie pies—handheld comfort, flaky pastry, rich filling—with the indulgence of premium seafood. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, they’re a standout dish that turns any meal into a celebration.

Whether you’re honoring Australian food traditions or simply indulging in something special, these lobster mornay pies are guaranteed to impress.