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.
Lobster rolls are quintessential summer treats that highlight fresh lobster meat tucked into a grilled bun. There are two main styles of lobster rolls – Maine and Connecticut. While both feature tender lobster salad, there are some key differences between Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls in terms of ingredients preparation method taste and more. This article will explain the distinctions between these two iconic New England lobster rolls.
A lobster roll is a sandwich consisting of cooked lobster meat served over the top of a grilled and buttered roll or bun The meat is usually from the tail and claws of the lobster The lobster salad filling can be served hot with drawn butter or chilled with mayonnaise or lemon dressing.
Lobster rolls originated in New England and remain an iconic northeastern dish. They are especially beloved summertime treats. Lobster rolls highlight the fresh taste of lobster with minimal other ingredients so the natural sweetness and brininess of the seafood shines through.
While lobster rolls have some variation in ingredients and preparation method, there are two main styles – Maine and Connecticut. Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of classic lobster rolls.
The Maine Lobster Roll
Origin
The Maine-style lobster roll was invented in Milbridge, Maine in the 1970s. It was served cold with mayonnaise dressing from roadside lobster shacks, which popularized this style of lobster sandwich.
Ingredients
- Lobster meat from the tail and claws
- Celery, finely diced (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard (small amount)
- Salt and pepper
- Green leaf lettuce
- Split-top hot dog bun, grilled in butter
Preparation
- The lobster meat is cooked, cooled and chopped into chunks.
- It is lightly dressed with a mixture of mayo, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Celery can be added for crunch.
- The chilled lobster salad is placed atop lettuce in a grilled and buttered split-top hot dog bun.
Taste and Texture
- The lettuce and cooling mayo dressing gives the lobster roll a fresh, bright taste.
- There is subtle creaminess from the mayo paired with sweet brininess of the lobster.
- The celery adds nice crunchy texture contrast.
- Served chilled, the lobster meat itself has a firmer, dense texture.
Popular Side Dishes
- Chowder
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Salt & vinegar potato chips
- Pickle spear
The Connecticut Lobster Roll
Origin
The Connecticut-style lobster roll was first served in 1929 at Perry’s Restaurant in Milford, Connecticut. It featured hot lobster salad with drawn butter dressing.
Ingredients
- Lobster meat from the tail and claws
- Butter, melted
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot dog bun or rolls, grilled
Preparation
- The lobster meat is steamed or boiled then tossed while hot in melted butter and lemon juice.
- It is seasoned with salt and pepper.
- The hot lobster salad is placed into a grilled, buttered hot dog bun.
Taste and Texture
- The hot lobster salad has a richer, more indulgent taste from the melted butter dressing.
- The meat itself has a softer, more tender texture since it is served warm.
- The butter highlights the natural sweetness of the lobster meat.
Popular Side Dishes
- Coleslaw
- Potato chips
- Pickles
- Potato salad
Key Differences Between the Two Styles
| Maine | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Chilled lobster salad | Hot lobster salad |
| Mayonnaise dressing | Drawn butter dressing |
| Lettuce lined | No lettuce |
| Celery for crunch | No celery |
| Grilled split-top bun | Grilled hot dog bun |
| Mild creaminess, bright taste | Rich, tender taste |
While both are delicious, the Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls offer different textures, temperatures, and flavor profiles. The chilled Maine style has a cooler crunch and brightness while the hot Connecticut style is richer, more indulgent and tender.
How to Choose Between the Two
When deciding between Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls, consider the following:
-
If you prefer a refreshing, lighter sandwich, go for Maine-style.
-
If you want a hot, decadent, buttery lobster dish, choose Connecticut.
-
Connecticut rolls pair well with creamy, vinegary sides like coleslaw.
-
Maine rolls match best with crisp, acidic accompaniments like salt & vinegar chips.
-
Both make perfect summertime eats to enjoy chilled wine or beer with.
-
You can’t go wrong with either! Lobster shines in both preparations.
Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds
Some restaurants offer both Maine and Connecticut versions on their menus. This is a great chance to compare the two styles side-by-side.
You can also make lobster roll sliders at home combining components of both. Make some sliders with hot buttered lobster and others with cool mayo-dressed lobster for a fun way to enjoy these classics.
There are even lobster roll kits that ship nationwide if you don’t live near either coast. These make it easy to recreate authentic Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls at home.
The Takeaway on Lobster Roll Differences
Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls are both delicious options for lobster sandwich lovers. While the Maine style highlights cool, creamy lobster salad and the Connecticut focuses on hot, buttery lobster, you can’t go wrong with either preparation. Understanding the distinctions in terms of taste, texture, ingredients and more can help you choose your perfect lobster roll experience.
What Does a Connecticut Lobster Roll Taste Like?
These hot lobster rolls are dripping in warm, savory drawn butter. This dressing highlights the sweetness of the lobster meat. This type of roll has warmer salad inside the bun, so the lobster is a little softer and more tender than in a Maine-style roll that is served cold.
You’ll like Maine Lobster Rolls if…
If you love a dish that offers textural, temporal, and flavor contrasts, the Maine-style roll is for you. The bun is warm and crisp, while the lobster salad is chilled and creamy. If you like a maybe-based dressing that is tasty and sour without being too much, choose a Maine-style roll.
What’s the Difference? (CLASSIC Lobster Roll VS CONNECTICUT Lobster Roll)
What is a Maine lobster roll?
The main feature of a Maine-style lobster roll is that it’s served cold. Chunks of lobster meat are coated in a light dressing made with mayonnaise and seasoned with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon. The addition of extras can be considered blaspemous in many local seafood shacks.
What is the difference between Maine lobster roll and Connecticut lobster roll?
What’s the difference between a Maine lobster roll and a Connecticut lobster roll? A Maine lobster roll is served with the lobster meat chilled and dressed in mayo with some crunchy greens like chives, celery, and/or scallions. A Connecticut lobster roll is served warm, dunked in butter, on a toasted bun.
What makes a Connecticut roll different from a Maine Roll?
Another key trait that distinguishes a Connecticut roll from a Maine roll is the dressing. Essentially, there is none with a Connecticut roll — just a side of melted butter that’s used to douse the lobster meat right before taking the first bite.
What is a Connecticut lobster roll?
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. To make a traditional Connecticut-style lobster roll, the first step is of course to start with premium lobster meat.