Learn how to make the two types of New England lobster rolls, known as Maine and Connecticut. A Maine lobster roll is lightly dressed with a mayo-based dressing whereas a Connecticut lobster roll is coated with just plain melted butter. Each preparation has a light touch to let the lobster flavor shine through and is delicious in its own way!

Lobster rolls are a classic dish during the summertime in New England, especially on the 4th of July and Memorial Day. Juicy, succulent pieces of lobster meat are piled high onto toasted hot dog buns. The seasonings are kept to a minimum and applied with a light touch to highlight the sweet, buttery flavor of lobster.
The typical ingredients in a New England lobster roll are tender morsels of lobster and a buttered roll. Apart from that, the ingredients vary as they are served in one of two ways depending on the region, Maine-style or Connecticut-style.
Two types of lobster rolls
Ingredients for New England Lobster Rolls
- Cooked lobster meat - Keep the claws whole and lay them on top for presentation.
- Split-top or New England-style buns - Toasted and generously buttered.
- Butter - Either salted or unsalted butter can be used.
- Mayo dressing - Mayo, celery, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Note: Some places use celery while some don't. I'm a fan of the crunchy texture it gives to an otherwise soft sandwich, but use it sparingly as it can overpower the lobster.
Steps
Whether you're a fan of warm and buttered lobster rolls or chilled with mayo lobster rolls, one thing for sure is both versions let the lobster flavor shine through! As long those sweet, tender, succulent pieces of lobster are the star, I'll gladly take either sandwich!
Variations
Though not traditional, add any of the following to create your own twist:
- Paprika, cayenne, Old Bay seasoning, or curry powder
- Capers
- Lemon zest
- Bacon
- Avocado
More recipes
Recipe
Lobster Rolls - Two Ways
☑ Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked lobster meat - chopped, about 8 oz
- 2 hot dog buns - top-split or New England-style
- 1 Tablespoon butter - for toasting buns
Maine-style
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- salt & pepper - to taste
- 2 Tablespoons finely diced celery - (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped chives - (optional)
- 2 leaves lettuce - (optional) for serving
Connecticut-style
- 3 Tablespoons butter - see Note 1
- salt & pepper - to taste
- 1 Tablespoon chopped chives - (optional)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice - (optional)
Instructions
- Toast buns: In a large pan, melt the butter and toast the hot dog buns on both sides until golden brown.2 hot dog buns, 1 Tablespoon butter
Connecticut-style
- Warm the lobster meat: Using the same pan, melt the additional butter on low heat and add the lobster meat. Toss gently to warm up the lobster and coat evenly with melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped chives.3 Tablespoons butter, salt & pepper, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon chopped chives
Maine-style
- Make mayo dressing: Add all the ingredients for the mayo dressing in a medium bowl with the chopped lobster meat. Gently toss together until the lobster is evenly coated with mayo. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge if not serving immediately.1 ½ cups cooked lobster meat, 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons finely diced celery, 1 Tablespoon chopped chives, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, salt & pepper
Assemble
- Line the buns with lettuce leaves (if using) and evenly divide the lobster into each bun. Reserve the whole claws for the top for presentation. Serve and enjoy!
✎ Recipe Notes
- Substitute with clarified butter or brown butter for a richer flavor.
- Use brioche split-top buns for a richer flavor.
- Leave the claw meat whole and place it on top for presentation.
- I recommend Butter, Bibb, or Boston lettuce for its mild flavor.
- For a generous serving, aim for 4oz of lobster meat per roll.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.
A Maine lobster roll is served with chilled lobster meat that's lightly coated with a mayo dressing. On the other hand, a Connecticut lobster roll is served with warm lobster meat that's lightly coated with melted butter and never mayo.
A split-top hot dog bun or New England-style bun is used. It's generously buttered and toasted until golden brown. Brioche hot dog buns can also be used.
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