Red Lobster creamy lobster mashed potatoes: review and copycat recipe
Written by Emily Carter, Senior Menu Research Editor. Reviewed for accuracy on October 4, 2026.
Quick answer: Red Lobster’s Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes cost about $8.49–$11.39 and contain 350 calories. They top whipped mashed potatoes with Maine lobster and langostino in a lobster beurre blanc sauce. This guide explains the dish, reviews it honestly, and shares a 40 minute copycat recipe.
Red Lobster’s Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes pair whipped mashed potatoes with Maine and langostino lobster meat. A creamy lobster beurre blanc sauce ties it all together. At about $8.49–$11.39 and 350 calories, it is the most indulgent side on the Red Lobster menu.
Quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dish | Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes (official menu name) |
| Restaurant | Red Lobster |
| Price | ~$8.49–$11.39 (estimated average, varies by location) |
| Calories | 350 |
| Description | Maine and langostino lobster meat in a creamy lobster beurre blanc sauce over mashed potatoes |
| Also available as | Creamy Lobster Baked Potato (450 cal) |
What is creamy lobster mashed potatoes?
It is Red Lobster’s premium side dish. The official menu description reads: Maine and langostino lobster meat in a creamy lobster beurre blanc sauce over mashed potatoes. It contains 350 calories. For the full sides lineup, see our Red Lobster soups and sides menu. The same topping is served on the Creamy Lobster Baked Potato (450 cal).
What is langostino, exactly?
Langostino is not a true lobster. It is a small squat lobster with sweet, tender meat. It tastes like lobster at a fraction of the cost. Red Lobster also uses it in the Lobster Bisque. Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is a different species. Also called langoustine or scampi, it is a true lobster relative prized in European cuisine. Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) is the classic clawed American lobster.
Honest review: is it worth it?
The beurre blanc sauce is silky without being heavy. Every bite mixes firm Maine chunks with sweet, soft langostino. The mash is smooth, buttery, and well salted. It is made for mopping up with a Cheddar Bay Biscuit. The dish is very rich, so split it as a starter. At this price, and even better during Red Lobster happy hour or with current deals, it is the best luxury value among the sides. Rating: 9/10.
Ingredients in the copycat version
Mashed potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, 4 tbsp butter, half cup warmed heavy cream, quarter cup softened cream cheese, salt and pepper.
Creamy lobster topping: 8 oz langostino tails (thawed), 4 oz chopped cooked Maine lobster meat (optional), 4 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), quarter cup dry white wine (or seafood stock), half cup heavy cream, quarter cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Old Bay, chives and lemon to finish.
Variations
Garlic lover’s (roast a head of garlic into the mash). Extra cheesy (fold in white cheddar or sour cream). Cajun kick (swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning plus cayenne). Baked potato style, like the Creamy Lobster Baked Potato.
How to make it
Step 1: Boil. Cover potato chunks with cold salted water. Boil 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender.
Step 2: Mash. Drain, then steam dry 1 minute in the hot pot. Rice or mash until smooth. Beat in butter, warm cream, and cream cheese. Season boldly.
Step 3: Sauce. Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add wine and reduce by half (about 2 minutes). Stir in cream and Old Bay. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Lobster. Add langostino and Maine lobster. Warm 1 to 2 minutes only. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Step 5: Serve. Spoon mash into warm bowls. Ladle over the topping. Finish with chives and lemon.
Nutrition: restaurant
| Nutrient | Red Lobster (per order) | Copycat (per serving, estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | ~490 |
| Total fat | Not published | ~34 g |
| Carbs | Not published | ~29 g |
| Protein | Not published | ~14 g |
What to serve with it
Grilled steak or tenderloin. Roasted salmon or shrimp scampi. Holiday mains like Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. A green salad cuts the richness.
Storage tips
Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream. Whisk well. A knob of cold butter fixes any separation. Do not freeze. Cream sauces turn grainy when thawed.
Frequently asked questions
What is creamy langostino lobster mashed potatoes?
It is Red Lobster’s signature side dish. Buttery mashed potatoes are topped with Maine lobster meat and sweet langostino tails in a creamy lobster beurre blanc sauce. It costs about $8.49–$11.39 and contains 350 calories.
What are the ingredients in Red Lobster’s Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes?
Per the official menu description: mashed potatoes, Maine lobster meat, langostino lobster meat, and creamy lobster beurre blanc sauce. The exact restaurant recipe is proprietary. The copycat above recreates it.
Is langostino real lobster?
Not technically. Langostino is a squat lobster. Its sweet meat tastes very close to lobster. Restaurants use it as an affordable stand in.
What is the secret to creamy mashed potatoes?
Use Yukon Gold potatoes. Steam dry them after draining. Add warm butter and cream, never cold. Mash gently with a ricer. Overworking releases starch and turns them gluey.
What is lobster cream sauce made of?
Butter, garlic or shallots, and white wine reduced down. Then heavy cream and lobster meat or stock are added. Red Lobster’s version is a lobster beurre blanc enriched with cream.
What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes?
His official recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes riced while hot. He adds warmed butter, whole milk, and double cream, plus sea salt and black pepper. His rule: rice immediately and warm the dairy.
How many calories does it have, and what does it cost?
The restaurant dish has 350 calories and costs about $8.49–$11.39 depending on location. The copycat runs about 490 calories per serving.
The bottom line
A luxurious side at a fair price. The copycat delivers the same flavors at home for less.
For complete Red Lobster menus, prices, and nutrition guides, visit Lobster Price Guide.
Price disclaimer: Menu prices vary by location and change over time. The $8.49–$11.39 range is an estimated average drawn from the official Red Lobster site and recent online menu listings. Check your local restaurant for current pricing.
Independence disclaimer: Lobster Price Guide is an independent publication. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Red Lobster or Darden Restaurants.
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