Don’t worry if you need to throw a fancy party and only have a day or two to make all the sides, soups, desserts, appetizers, and drinks. You can do it! Here’s how to throw an extra fancy lobster party in a pinch!
Of course there are lobsters on the menu, but there is also a perfectly simple cocktail, a delicious cheesecake mousse with raspberry compote, roasted curry cauliflower soup that is creamy, and some lovely little snacks to start the meal.
Start cooking! The full recipe for lobsters cooked just right is at the bottom of the page, but first…
Lobster is a delicious and luxurious main course for any special occasion. But a great lobster dinner needs the right side dishes to complement the sweet, briny flavor of the lobster meat. The ideal lobster party menu should include a variety of dishes that add color, taste and texture.
When planning a lobster menu, aim for a balance of rich and creamy dishes along with fresh, bright flavors. You’ll also want to offer both hot and cold options to suit different preferences. Here are 10 sensational side dishes that are perfect for serving at a lobster party.
Refreshing Salads
Salads are a must for any lobster feast. The fresh flavors and crunch provide contrast to the rich main dish. Opt for salads with creamy dressings or lemony vinaigrettes that enhance the sweetness of the lobster.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic pairing with lobster rolls or steamed whole lobster. The starchy potatoes soak up the lemon-butter sauce for delicious flavor. Potato salad also adds hearty substance to balance the light lobster meat. Make this side ahead of time so the flavors meld.
To prevent soggy spuds, coat the potatoes in the dressing while they’re still warm so they absorb the flavor. Chill completely before serving Crunchy celery, red onion and fresh dill or parsley are tasty additions
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is easy to make in big batches, perfect for a crowd. The cheerful colors and variety of textures and tastes complement lobster’s tender meat.
Bowtie, rotini or elbow macaroni hold the tangy dressing nicely. Mix with chopped vegetables like red peppers, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets. Italian dressing or a red wine vinaigrette pairs especially well with lobster.
Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad is always appropriate with seafood. The light lemon dressing allows the natural sweetness of the lobster to shine. Mix spring greens or spinach with sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, shredded carrots and slivered almonds.
Poppy seed dressing, balsamic vinaigrette or a simple oil and vinegar mixture are ideal light dressings. Let guests add their own dressing to keep the greens crisp.
Hot Sides
Warm dishes help balance the cold lobster temperatures and offer comforting flavors. Starchy vegetables and cheesy casseroles are especially tasty with lobster.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet summer corn is a quintessential side for lobster. Bring a pot of water to boil before dinnertime to quickly cook the corn cobs. Serve with butter, salt and pepper so guests can add their own toppings.
For parties, cut the corn off the cobs ahead of time to easily portion onto plates. The juicy kernels pair perfectly with lobster dunked in butter. Cooking the corn in the same water as the lobster infuses both with sweet flavor.
Macaroni and Cheese
No seafood dinner is complete without mac and cheese. The gooey, cheesy pasta bakes especially well with lobster. Stir diced lobster meat into the mac and cheese to create a decadent casserole.
Or opt for a spinach and artichoke version with tender sautéed lobster layered on top of the noodles. The indulgent cheese sauce matches the richness of lobster meat. Guests of all ages will love this comforting classic.
Steamed Clams or Mussels
For a surf ‘n turf meal, add clams or mussels to the menu. Steamed open-shell clams or mussels drenched in butter and garlic nicely complement whole lobster or lobster rolls.
Provide small bowls for empty shells and plenty of napkins. Make sure to have extras on hand as the appetizing aromas will leave your guests eager for more. The shared shells and dipping create a fun, informal feel perfect for summer gatherings.
Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw serves as a freshening foil to rich lobster. The crunchy texture also adds interest. Creamy coleslaw with mayonnaise or a lighter vinegar-based version both work well.
Customize packaged slaw mix by adding shredded apples, cranberries, scallions or cilantro. The bright flavors enhance the sweetness of the lobster. Serve slaw in small servings alongside warm drawn butter for dipping bites of lobster meat.
Hearty Breads
Breads and biscuits round out the meal and help with savoring every drop of the butter sauce. Warm bread also provides a nice contrast to the cool lobster temperatures.
Lobster Rolls
For New England-style gatherings, serve your lobster chilled in hot dog buns. Lobster rolls with drawn butter for dipping make excellent appetizers or main dishes.
Set up a build-your-own-lobster-roll bar with split-top buns, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, lemon wedges and lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise or melted butter. This interactive option allows guests to assemble their perfect lobster roll.
Skillet Cornbread
Warm cornbread complements lobster beautifully. The cornmeal pairs well with the sweet lobster, and the bread can be used to sop up all the juices.
Bake small cast iron skillets of cornbread with jalapenos, cheddar and scallions to serve family style at the table. The sweet honey butter melting into the cornbread is perfect for dipping bites of lobster.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up butter sauce. Bake fresh rolls such as parker house, cloverleaf or crescent rolls. Brush with melted butter and serve warm in a basket on the table.
For an easy shortcut, heat frozen dough rolls like Rhodes or Sister Schubert’s. Your guests will love the homemade taste and the ease lets you focus on preparing the star lobster dishes.
Perfect Pairings for Lobster
When planning a lobster dinner, don’t forget drinks and dessert! Iced tea, lemonade and white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc all make thirst-quenching pairings. Serve slices of lemon or lime to add a dash of citrus.
Indulge in decadent desserts like lemon meringue pie, cheesecake or fresh berries with whipped cream. The sweet treat provides one more excuse to dip into that drawn butter!
With the right balance of colorful salads, hot side dishes, warm bread and cool drinks, your lobster party menu will keep guests satisfied all evening long. What are your favorite foods to serve alongside succulent lobster? With this mouthwatering array of side dishes, you’re sure to please every palate.
Serve a Show-Stopping Soup that Takes Only 45 minutes to Make.
This creamy cauliflower soup is a hit with everyone. I like to make it for lobster dinner parties because it’s easy and makes the kitchen smell great.
To make it, just roast the cauliflower, add some broth and spices, blend it, and set it aside until you’re ready to serve. Real simple.
Prepare a Few Simple Snacks For Pre-Dinner Cocktails
I absolutely love deviled eggs for parties. They’re simple to make and look great as long as you have a pastry bag.
These are simple little dill deviled eggs with tiny Japanese maple leaves and pickle juice-soaked caviar. I make the caviar days ahead, then just spoon them on before guests arrive.
I separate the eggs, mix the filling, and store it in a pastry piping bag with the mousse. When it’s time for guests to arrive, all I have to do is take out the egg whites and fill them. You don’t want them sitting in the fridge fully filled and decorated for more than an hour.
There are plenty of tasty treats on the menu, but when your guests arrive, it’s always nice to start with a cheese plate instead of your tasty deviled eggs.
A few tasty blackberries, Boursin cheese, a peppered brie without the rind, a freshly cut baguette, and some pretty little olives are all you need to make this simple cheese plate.
How to throw a lobster themed party
What is a good side dish for lobster?
Find crowd-pleasing side dishes for lobster such as corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, clam chowder, and more. Get the lobster side dish ideas here.
What to serve with a lobster tail?
A scoop of flavorful risotto is a great side for your lobster tail. This easy Homemade Rice Pilaf is a classic rice dish that’s simple to make in one pot or skillet, is packed full of flavor, and is a favorite side dish of many!
What to eat with lobster?
Potatoes are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with Cheddar cheese. Potato salad pairs perfectly with lobster. This creamy mayonnaise-based recipe is flavored with garlic and lots of mustard. Looking for a lighter lobster side dish that still packs a flavorful punch?
Are lobster rolls a good side dish?
Lobster rolls are one of my all-time favorite summer dishes. They are easy to make, so flavorful, and always a hit with guests. While lobster rolls can definitely stand on their own, they are even better when served with a few delicious side dishes. So if you are looking for some inspiration, then you are in the right place.