Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even baking.

Step 2: Begin preparing the topping by gathering your cracker crumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand with an even consistency. Add the crushed potato chips for extra crunch, then set aside.

Step 5: Now move on to creating the luxurious filling that defines this copycat Hilltop Steakhouse lobster pie recipe.

Step 6: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter until it’s foaming and fragrant.

Step 7: Add the dry sherry and allow it to boil vigorously for 1 minute to concentrate the flavors and cook off the harsh alcohol.

Step 8: Add the chopped lobster meat, stir gently to coat with the sherry butter, then immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking the delicate seafood.

Step 9: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the roux becomes smooth, glossy, and smells slightly nutty. Remove from heat.

Step 10: Carefully drain and reserve all the sherry and cooking juices from the lobster skillet. Slowly whisk this flavorful liquid along with the half-and-half into your butter-flour roux. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy, coating consistency-about 5-7 minutes.

Step 11: Spoon 4 tablespoons of the hot sauce into a small bowl. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to temper them properly and prevent scrambling.

Step 12: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the main sauce, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously-never let it boil or you’ll risk curdling. Remove from heat and gently fold in the reserved lobster meat.

Step 13: Divide the creamy lobster mixture evenly among four individual ramekins or pour into a single gratin dish for family-style serving.

Step 14: Generously sprinkle the buttery crumb topping over each portion, ensuring even coverage. Bake until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Step 15: Remove from the oven, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately while gloriously hot.