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.
Nancy
I brought this to my family's summer get together over the weekend and everyone LOVED them!! I kept the lobster meat separate and assembled the sandwiches onsite which prevented the bread from getting soggy. We had it with plain potato chips and cola just like when we were kids. AMAZING!!
Sara
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be and then some! Quite possibly the best way to enjoy lobster; it was delicious!
Sadie
I love lobster rolls. I love that you've given two versions as I don't like mayo, but my hubby does. We made these for dinner and each had our own kind. Can't wait to make them again.
Enri
A few weeks ago, I had a lobster roll in a fancy restaurant in West Palm Bead. I told my friend: I haven't made lobster rolls. Searching for the perfect recipe, I found yours. My rolls turned out to be better than those in the fancy restaurant. Thank you so much.
Marvin
Very tasty and easy to make. I used frozen lobster meat but next time I'll use fresh.
Amy
These were so good! As a New Englander I love my lobster and this recipe let it shine!
Nancy
Made these lobster rolls for my brother in laws bday this weekend and he loved them, especially with the melted butter. Everyone requested them again for our next family gathering. Thanks for the great recipe!
Chenée
This was my first time making a lobster roll at home. I can't wait to make them again!
Kim
So delicious! We decided to make both and I was a fan of the Connecticut one the most. They were both a huge hit!
Mikayla
We had a vote ad tried the Connecticut version first, the warm buttery melt in your mouth flavor was fabulous. Next up, we will try your Maine version.
Andrea
OH yes, please on both! Mayonnaise, butter, however you dress this lobster roll, I'm enjoying it.
Scott
I grew up eating lobster rolls so I'm pretty picky about them and I have to say this recipe is outstanding! The amount of dressing is perfect, not too much and not too little. Lobster rolls should be all about the lobster and this recipe is spot on!
Megan
These are absolutely first class rave-worthy! We made these when we caught up with work friends last weekend and everyone was ecstatic. I can't thank you enough for this great recipe Jamie.
Kate
I made our rolls using the Connecticut style and we loved it! I have this recipe printed out and can't wait to try the Maine style!
Patricia
I've had this both ways but didn't know the difference in names! Sign me up for either option because they both taste amazing!
Jere Cassidy
I have only had the Maine lobster roll so it this interesting to see the recipe for the Connecticut-style lobster roll. Who doesn't love lobster and butter now we have two options, well for me. My hubby is from Maine so he is super biased on his rolls.
Alex
I never knew of the differences between the two lobster rolls before - so I feel like I definitely learned something today! My favourite has always been the Maine Lobster Roll, but the Connecticut Lobster Roll is something I will be enjoying more often thanks to your recipe. Love the presentation of the whole claw on top - it looks so impressive!
Karen
Amazing! I am working my way through all your lobster recipes and they are all just AMAZING. These are bursting with flavor and it's hard to say which one I prefer. Really great recipe - a MUST-TRY in my opinion!
Kris
This was my first time making these and it was a real winner with my family. Thank you!!
Jenny
These recipes are so delicious. Wishing for one of the lobster rolls now. Go Connecticut (grin).