Connecticut Lobster Roll Recipe
This Connecticut Lobster Roll came to argue—the eternal lobster roll debate rages on. Cold with mayo or hot with butter? 🦞🔥❄️ Whether you’re Team Connecticut or Team Maine, we can all agree on one thing—lobster rolls are always a good idea.
PREP TIME
5 mins
COOK TIME
15 mins
SERVINGS
4
Ingredients
- 4 top-sliced hot dog buns
- 4 sticks + 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tsp Phillips Seafood Seasoning
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 16 oz Phillips Lobster Claw & Knuckle
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped chives, divided
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Connecticut Lobster Roll
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Toast each side of the hot dog buns for 1-2 mins per side, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside. Clean pan before next step.
- In the same large pan over low/medium-low heat, add 4 sticks of butter, whisking frequently as butter melts. When butter is halfway melted, whisk in Phillips Seafood Seasoning and smashed garlic until well-integrated. Continue frequently whisking until butter is fully melted, then stir in Seafood Seasoning. Remove garlic and discard once butter is seasoned to your taste. Be sure to keep heat low to prevent butter from overheating.
- Add lobster and half the chives to pan and continue to gently stir them until heated through. Lower heat to lowest setting until ready to serve. Stir occasionally as needed.
- To build each Connecticut Lobster Roll: Stuff one hot dog bun with 1/4 of the lobster meat, then garnish with more butter, chives, and a lemon wedge. Serve immediately. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Enjoy!
The Connecticut Lobster Roll: The Superior Way to Eat Lobster (Fight Us)
If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a heated debate about whether lobster rolls should be served hot or cold, congratulations—you’ve experienced New England in its purest form. And while the classic Maine-style lobster roll (cold lobster salad with mayo) gets plenty of love, we’re here to talk about its superior, butter-drenched cousin: the Connecticut Lobster Roll.
This isn’t just a sandwich. It’s a warm, toasty, buttery celebration of everything that’s right in the world. No mayo, no distractions—just sweet, succulent lobster meat, melted butter, and a perfectly griddled split-top bun. Simple. Elegant. Unapologetically rich.
A Brief History of the Connecticut Lobster Roll (AKA The Right Way to Eat One)
The Connecticut Lobster Roll was allegedly born in 1929 at a restaurant called Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut. Legend has it that a loyal customer—who clearly had excellent taste—asked for his lobster roll to be served warm with melted butter instead of the usual chilled mayo version. And just like that, history was made.
While the Maine-style lobster roll might be the one you see on postcards and Instagram feeds, Connecticut said, “No thanks, we like our lobster the way it was meant to be enjoyed—hot and swimming in butter.” And honestly? They had the right idea.
What Makes a Connecticut Lobster Roll So Special?
Let’s break it down:
Hot, Buttery Lobster: No cold mayo here. Just fresh, warm lobster meat gently tossed in melted butter. It’s like dipping lobster in drawn butter at a fancy seafood restaurant, but in sandwich form.
The Perfect Bun: A proper Connecticut Lobster Roll is served on a griddled, split-top New England-style bun. It’s buttery, slightly crisp on the outside, and just sturdy enough to hold all that delicious lobster without getting in the way.
Simple, But Perfect: The Connecticut Lobster Roll is all about letting the lobster shine. Some places add a little lemon, a sprinkle of chives, or a pinch of salt, but the star of the show is always the lobster itself.
Variations of the Connecticut Lobster Roll (Because We Love Options)
While tradition is great, there’s always room for a little creativity. Here are some fun ways people put a twist on the Connecticut Lobster Roll:
Garlic Butter Upgrade: If regular melted butter is great, garlic butter is next-level. Some folks add a touch of garlic or shallots for extra depth of flavor.
Spicy Kick: A dash of Old Bay, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot honey can take the classic Connecticut roll into spicy territory (and we’re not mad about it).
Truffle Butter Extravaganza: Feeling fancy? Swap the regular butter for truffle butter and turn your humble lobster roll into a five-star experience.
Surf & Turf Remix: Some places get wild and add a slice of crispy bacon or even a bit of seared steak alongside the lobster. It’s not traditional, but we respect the ambition.
Lobster Grilled Cheese: Okay, technically this isn’t a lobster roll, but melt some cheese onto that buttery bun and you’ve got a Connecticut-style lobster melt. And that’s worth talking about.
The Great Connecticut vs. Maine Lobster Roll Debate
If you ask a New Englander which lobster roll is better—Connecticut (hot with butter) or Maine (cold with mayo)—be prepared for an argument that lasts longer than a Red Sox game.
Here’s the diplomatic answer: they’re both delicious, but the Connecticut Lobster Roll is clearly the superior choice if you:
✅ Love warm, buttery seafood goodness
✅ Think mayonnaise should stay in potato salad where it belongs
✅ Want to taste pure lobster flavor without distractions
No matter which side you land on, we can all agree on one thing: New England does lobster rolls best.
Where to Find the Best Connecticut Lobster Roll
If you’re in Connecticut, you’re in luck—this state takes its lobster rolls seriously. Some legendary spots to check out:
Lobster Landing (Clinton, CT): A no-frills, beachside shack serving up massive, buttery lobster rolls.
Ford’s Lobster (Noank, CT): Known for their fresh lobster rolls and scenic waterfront views.
The Lobster Shack (Branford, CT): A classic roadside seafood joint with perfectly griddled buns and a generous lobster portion.
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough (Noank, CT): A must-visit spot with killer lobster rolls and a relaxed, picnic-table vibe.
PAIRINGS:
Connecticut Lobster Roll
Chardonnay (Oaked)
Saison
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