Lobster rolls are a coastal favorite in New England, celebrated for their sweet lobster meat, buttery toasted buns, and simple, refreshing flavor. This version brings that seaside experience right to your kitchen with straightforward steps and high-quality ingredients. Whether you enjoy a chilled Maine-style roll with a light mayo dressing or the warm, butter-based Connecticut version, this recipe shows how to prepare both with ease.

#Jumptorecipecard

The key to a great lobster roll is letting the lobster shine. A touch of lemon, a bit of seasoning, and a perfectly toasted bun create a balance that feels indulgent yet wonderfully simple. With the right technique, you can create a classic lobster roll that tastes restaurant-worthy in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Clean, fresh flavor
The dressing is kept light so the natural sweetness of the lobster remains the star.

Two authentic versions
Use the same base method to make either the chilled Maine-style roll or the warm Connecticut-style roll.

Perfectly toasted buns every time
Toasting the split-top roll in butter adds the signature crisp exterior and soft interior that makes this sandwich special.

Minimal mixing keeps the meat tender
Folding everything gently keeps the lobster in generous chunks for the ideal texture.

Fast and reliable
Once the lobster is cooked, the rolls come together in minutes—great for gatherings or a quick seafood meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked and chilled lobster meat, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 top-split hot dog buns or New England–style rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Tools & Equipment

• Large pot (if cooking fresh lobster)
• Kitchen shears or nutcracker
• Medium mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Griddle or large skillet

How to Make Lobster Rolls (Step-by-Step)

Before You Begin

Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients. Keep seafood refrigerated until use and wash hands after handling raw or cooked lobster. Do not leave lobster at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

1. Prepare the Lobster Meat

If cooking fresh lobster, boil until shells are bright red and internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Cool slightly, remove meat, chop into bite-sized pieces, and refrigerate until fully chilled.

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, gently fold lobster meat with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chives.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add lemon just before serving to maintain texture.

3. Toast the Buns

Brush outer sides with melted butter and toast in a skillet until golden.
Keep the interior soft for traditional texture.

4. Assemble and Serve

Fill rolls generously with chilled lobster mixture.
Serve immediately for safest and best quality.

How to Serve

Lobster rolls are best enjoyed right after assembly. The combination of chilled lobster filling with a warm, buttery roll is essential to the experience.

Serve with:

• Classic potato chips
• Crisp coleslaw
• Dill pickles
• Lemon wedges
• Light summer salads

For gatherings, arrange the rolls on a chilled platter and garnish with lemon slices or fresh chives.

Allergen Info: Contains shellfish. Avoid if you have shellfish allergies.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage

• Store undressed lobster meat up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Keep at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Do not store filled buns—use immediately.

Reheating

For Connecticut-style rolls:

• Warm lobster gently in melted butter until hot but do not boil.

For Maine-style rolls:

• Keep chilled; do not reheat.

Make Ahead

• Cook lobster and chill the meat up to 1 day ahead.
• Mix dressing just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the lobster
Too much stirring breaks the meat into tiny pieces and reduces texture.

Using untoasted buns
Toasting is essential for structure and flavor.

Adding too much mayonnaise
Use just enough to coat the lobster lightly.

Letting the lobster sit too long in lemon juice
Over time, acid can change the texture.

Overcooking fresh lobster
Cook only until bright red. Overcooking makes the meat rubbery.

Variations

Connecticut Style
Warm lobster meat in melted butter and skip the mayonnaise and lemon.

Herb Variation
Add fresh dill or parsley for a brighter flavor.

Seasoning Twist
A pinch of paprika or celery seed adds a classic deli-style touch.

Bun Options
Potato rolls or brioche buns work, though the New England split-top roll is most traditional.

FAQ – Lobster Rolls

What’s the difference between Maine-style and Connecticut-style?
Maine-style uses chilled lobster with a light mayo dressing. Connecticut-style features warm lobster tossed in melted butter.

Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes. Thaw fully in the refrigerator and drain any excess liquid.

Which lobster meat is best?
Claw, knuckle, and tail meat all work well. Claw meat is naturally sweeter and very tender.

Why use a split-top bun?
The flat sides toast evenly, creating a crisp surface that holds up well to the filling.

How much filling should go in each roll?
A generous amount—each bite should feel rich without overwhelming the bun.

Conclusion

Lobster rolls deliver incredible flavor with only a handful of ingredients. When made with fresh lobster, a lightly dressed filling, and a perfectly toasted bun, the result is a true New England classic. This recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for warm-weather meals, special occasions, or anytime you want a coastal-inspired dish at home.

Recipe Card: Easy Lobster Rolls

Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (if cooking lobster)
Total Time: 27–30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: New England, Seafood
Servings: 4 rolls

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chives (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• 4 top-split rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary. Keep lobster meat chilled until ready to use and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

1. If cooking fresh lobster, boil until shells turn bright red and internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C). Cool and chop.
2. In a bowl, gently mix lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chives. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Brush rolls with melted butter and toast until golden.
4. Fill rolls with the lobster mixture and serve immediately.

Allergen Info: Contains shellfish. Avoid if you have shellfish allergies.

Notes

• Use high-quality lobster for best flavor.
• Keep buns and filling separate until serving.
• Add more lemon or chives to taste.

Nutrition (Approx. per roll)
Calories: 310 | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Carbs: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 520mg | Cholesterol: 105mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates only and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.