Maine Lobster Roll Recipe
Food Recipes | 4th of July | Labor Day | Memorial Day | Sandwiches | Spring | Summer
Picnic season is right around the corner 🧺🦞 Move this Maine Lobster Roll recipe to the top of your “if this isn’t at the cookout I’m leaving” list.
PREP TIME
20 mins
COOK TIME
10 mins
SERVINGS
4
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Dash or two of cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1.5 ribs celery, diced
- 1/4 small onion, minced
- 2 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 16 oz Phillips Lobster Claw & Knuckle, drained
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 New England-style hot dog buns
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Maine Lobster Roll
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except lobster, butter, and hot dog buns. Stir until well-combined. Fold in lobster until evenly distributed. Cover and chill until ready for use.
- 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.
- To serve: Fill each hot dog bun generously with the lobster salad and serve with a side of your favorite potato chips.
Maine Lobster Roll: Mayo, Lobster, and Zero Drama
If the lobster roll world had a “no nonsense” spokesperson, it’d be the Maine Lobster Roll. No existential crises over lettuce, no over-the-top embellishments—just chilled, perfectly dressed lobster piled into a toasted split-top bun like it was always meant to be. It’s pure, it’s simple, and it’s as classic as a Stephen King novel—except this one won’t give you nightmares (unless you drop it on the ground, in which case, yeah, horror).
The History of the Maine Lobster Roll
Like all great things, the Maine Lobster Roll didn’t just happen—it was destined. While exact origin stories are murky (much like the waters these lobsters come from), Maine’s claim to lobster roll fame goes back to at least the 1920s. Some credit Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut, for serving the first “lobster sandwich,” but let’s be real: Maine perfected it.
Maine has been lobstering since before it was cool, and the lobster roll is basically the state’s love letter to its own industry. Unlike its butter-drenched cousin from Connecticut, the Maine Lobster Roll keeps things cool, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor.
What Makes a Maine Lobster Roll, Well… Maine?
The beauty of a Maine Lobster Roll is that it’s stupidly simple, but ridiculously good. No need for extra toppings, fancy aioli, or an entire backstory to justify its existence. Here’s what makes it 100% Maine-approved:
The Lobster – Obviously. And it’s gotta be fresh—knuckle, claw, and tail meat only. None of that rubbery nonsense.
The Mayo – This isn’t a “light drizzle” situation—it’s a full-on creamy dressing moment. A little mayo, a squeeze of lemon, some seasonings, and maybe a bit of celery for crunch.
The Bun – Split-top New England hot dog rolls, griddled until golden and crispy. Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and designed specifically to hold a heap of lobster like it’s their one true purpose in life.
The Simplicity – No lettuce. No unnecessary add-ins. Just lobster, mayo, and the unshakable confidence that simplicity wins.
Maine Lobster Roll vs. Connecticut Lobster Roll: The Never-Ending Debate
If you ever want to witness an argument as intense as a family Thanksgiving political discussion, just bring up the Maine vs. Connecticut Lobster Roll Debate.
Maine rolls = chilled lobster + mayo-based dressing.
Connecticut rolls = warm lobster + melted butter.
People from both states = ready to fight about it.
The truth? Both are amazing. But the Maine Lobster Roll is the one you grab when you want cool, refreshing, and packed with flavor—a dish so simple it lets the lobster do all the talking.
Variations on the Maine Lobster Roll (For the Rule-Breakers Out There)
Purists will tell you to keep it classic, but if you’re feeling a little rebellious, here are some ways to mix it up:
The Spicy Maine – A few dashes of Old Bay and cayenne if you like your lobster roll with a little heat.
The Lemon Zest Remix – Add some fresh lemon zest and chives to brighten things up.
The Herby Twist – Toss in a handful of fresh tarragon for an aromatic upgrade.
The Fancy Pants – A little crème fraîche if you want your lobster roll to feel extra bougie.
The “Why Not?” – Toss in a handful of crispy bacon because, well… bacon.
PAIRINGS:
Maine Lobster Roll
Sauvignon Blanc
Saison
Made This Recipe? Leave A Review!