There’s nothing better than sweet, juicy lobster piled high and spilling over a toasted split top roll. But do you know the difference between Maine lobster and American lobster? Connecticut lobster rolls? If you don’t know what the difference is between Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls, we’re here to help.
Here is how to make the two most common types of lobster rolls at home and how to tell them apart.
Getting lobster at home or at a restaurant is always a treat. So it’s important to make the right decisions when it comes to ingredients and preparation styles. Are you not sure if you should make or try a Maine-style or a Connecticut-style lobster roll? This page will help you decide.
There are several major differences between these two popular styles of seafood sandwiches. Here is everything you need to know about the two types of New England lobster rolls, from where they came from and how they taste to what goes into them and their history:
You will know the difference between a Maine lobster roll and a Connecticut lobster roll by the end. You can then try both and pick your favorite.
With its tender lobster meat and buttered bun, the lobster roll is one of the most coveted summertime seafood treats. But if you’ve never tried one before, you may be wondering—what exactly does a lobster roll taste like? Is it similar to other sandwiches or does it have a flavor all its own?
This iconic New England specialty has a delicious taste that’s hard to resist. By understanding the components that create that signature lobster roll flavor, you’ll know exactly what to expect with your first bite.
In this guide we’ll break down the key aspects that define the lobster roll’s taste profile
- The sweetness of the lobster meat
- The herbs, spices, and other seasonings
- Texture contrasts from the bun and fillings
- How preparation styles impact flavor
- The influence of accompaniments and sides
Learning what each element contributes to the overall dining experience will prepare your palate for the joy of tasting your first authentic lobster roll!
The Sweet Lobster Shines Through
At the heart of every lobster roll is the featured ingredient—lobster meat. When fresh and perfectly cooked, lobster has a sweet, delicate flavor with subtle briny notes from the sea. Many describe lobster as having a taste somewhere between shrimp and crab, but more mild
The natural sweetness of the lobster meat shines through in a lobster roll. The meat is usually dressed simply to complement, not mask, the lobster’s signature taste. This sweetness is the hallmark of what a good lobster roll should deliver with each bite.
Seasonings Enhance Without Overpowering
While lobster is the star, small amounts of herbs spices and other ingredients work to accentuate that sweetness. Traditional seasonings found in lobster rolls include
- Lemon juice – Brightens flavor with acidity
- Dashes of garlic or onion powder – For subtle savoriness
- Celery – For added crunch
- Dijon or hot sauce – Mustard spice or heat
- Salt and pepper – For light seasoning
- Dill – Fresh, aromatic accent
- Paprika – For smoky depth (in some recipes)
The goal is to add a little complexity while allowing the natural lobster taste to still come through. The sweet meat should be most pronounced, with seasonings playing a supporting role.
Different Styles Impact Overall Flavor
There are two main styles of lobster rolls, Connecticut (served warm with butter) and Maine (served cold with mayo), and each has its own flavor profile.
Connecticut: Hot lobster coated in melted butter tastes rich and indulgent. You get sweetness from the seafood along with hits of bright lemon and creamy, savory drawn butter.
Maine: Chilled lobster lightly tossed in mayo-based dressing tastes refreshing, lighter, and subtly tangy. Still sweet but with more acidity and herbiness from lemon juice, mustard, and dill.
The preparation makes a big difference in the intensity and balance of flavors you experience with each style of lobster roll.
Bun and Fillings Provide Texture Contrast
In addition to flavors, the mix of textures is another key component of what makes eating a lobster roll so enjoyable. You get contrasts from:
- Sweet lobster meat – Tender, with slight chew
- Crunchy celery (optional) – Crisp bits for added freshness
- Toasted, buttered bun – Soft, with crisp outer shell
- Lettuce – Cooling crunch and moisture
Every bite offers a satisfying mix of delicate lobster, pillowy bread, and fresh veggies. The interplay of textures brings the flavors to life.
Sides and Dips Enhance the Experience
What you pair your lobster roll with can complement the iconic sandwich beautifully. Traditional pairings include:
- French fries or potato chips – Salty, crunchy sides to counter the rich roll
- Coleslaw or potato salad – Cool, creamy balances with hot buttered lobster
- Chowder – Hearty, creamy, with similar sweet seafood notes
- Pickles – Tart, crunchy, and refreshing palette cleanser
Don’t forget condiments like melted butter for dipping warm Connecticut style rolls, or lemon wedges to squeeze over chilled Maine-style rolls. The right accompaniments enhance the lobster roll experience.
Bringing It All Together for a Symphonic Flavor Experience
When you take into account the sweet lobster, herbs, prep styles, textures, and sides, the lobster roll offers an intricate symphony of flavors and sensations in each bite. The taste experience combines:
- Sweet, delicate shellfish flavor
- Accents of lemon, herbs, mustard, and spice
- Interplay of hot and cold textures
- Crunch from lettuce and celery
- Richness from buttered, toasted bun
- Balance from bright, acidic sides
All of these elements come together to deliver a profile unlike any other sandwich. The lobster roll provides a truly unforgettable eating adventure for your tastebuds.
Ready for Your First Taste?
Now that you know exactly what to expect when you take that first bite, you’re primed for the blissful experience of tasting an authentic lobster roll. The sweet lobster meat, crunchy textures, seasoning accents, and sides all unite to deliver a sensational sandwich.
The next step is to order some lobster rolls online or find a local spot serving these regional specialties. Follow your tastebuds on this delicious seafood journey and discover the joy of lobster rolls for yourself. Just don’t be surprised if one bite gets you hooked!
Connecticut Lobster Rolls 101
Here’s what you need to know about Connecticut-style lobster rolls and how they differ from Maine rolls.
The first known Connecticut lobster roll was served up in 1929 at a Milford, Connecticut restaurant called Perry’s. This roll held the signature Connecticut-style hot lobster salad in plenty of melted butter on a toasted bun.
The first thing you need to make a traditional Connecticut-style lobster roll is, of course, a good lobster meat. Choose sweet and tender tail and lobster knuckle meat for the best combination of textures and flavors.
You only need a few simple ingredients to create the Connecticut-style dressing:
- Melted butter. Specifically, you should use unsalted butter so as not to overpower the seafood. That way, you can salt the lobster salad to taste.
- Lemon juice. Just like in a Maine-style roll, the lemon juice makes things brighter and gives the rich butter a nice acidic hit.
- If you like, you can add a dash of paprika. A little red spice will add some smoke and depth to your food, but it won’t make it very hot.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Hot dog buns or fluffy brioche rolls, toasted and hot.
Maine Lobster Roll Overview
The main feature of a Maine-style lobster roll is that it’s served cold. There are chunks of lobster meat covered in a light sauce made with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. The addition of extras can be considered blaspemous in many local seafood shacks.
Even though the lobster salad is served cold, the roll it comes in should be warm and crunchy, having been toasted to a fine golden brown.