Lobster Rolls - Two Ways - Drive Me Hungry

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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.

Buttered lobster roll with red claw meat on a toasted bun.

Two types of lobster rolls

Maine lobster roll - Served with chilled lobster lightly dressed with mayo, lemon juice, and sometimes finely diced celery. Oftentimes, a layer of Bibb or Butter lettuce lines the bun to keep it from getting soggy.
Connecticut lobster roll - Served with warm lobster coated with melted or clarified butter, but never mayo. It's seasoned with salt and pepper and sometimes lemon juice.

Two types of New England lobster rolls, Maine and Connecticut. — Maine lobster roll (left), Connecticut lobster roll (right).

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.

Ingredients for warm Connecticut lobster rolls with text overlay. — Ingredients for Connecticut lobster rolls.

Steps

Melt butter in a pan and toast both sides of the hot dog buns until golden brown and crispy. Set aside and prepare the lobster meat.
For warm, buttered lobster rolls: Melt a pat of butter in a pan and gently toss with the lobster meat until evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
For mayo-dressed Maine lobster rolls, gently toss the chilled lobster meat with mayo, celery, lemon juice, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Evenly portion the lobster filling into each hot dog bun, reserving the claws for the top for presentation. Optionally, line the buns with Butter, Bibb, or Boston lettuce if making Maine lobster rolls. This prevents the buns from getting soggy.

Hot dog buns toasting with melted butter.

Lobster roll bun toasting with melted butter in a pan.

Two lobster rolls on a plate with lemons.

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!

Lobster rolls with mayo dressing on a plate.

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

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Recipe

What is the difference between a Maine and Connecticut lobster roll?

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.

What kind of bread is used for lobster rolls?

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.