Lobster rolls are a quintessential New England dish that have become popular across the country. A good lobster roll starts with the right bread – you need a bread that can stand up to the rich lobster filling without falling apart or getting soggy. Finding the perfect lobster roll bread can be tricky, but this guide will walk you through the best options for where to buy bread for lobster rolls.
The Classic: New England Top-Split Hot Dog Buns
The traditional choice for lobster rolls is top-split New England style hot dog buns. These buns were created in the 1940s specifically for holding fried seafood like clams and lobster. The top-split allows the bun to open up fully to accommodate the lobster salad.
New England style hot dog buns have a soft, light, and fluffy texture thanks to extra butter and milk powder in the recipe. They don’t have a tough crust so they won’t overpower the lobster flavor. The inside stays soft while the outside lightly toasts This is the classic choice you’ll find at lobster shacks throughout New England
You can find top-split New England style hot dog buns at many grocery stores across the country Popular brands to look for include Arnold Bread, Pepperidge Farm, and Wonder Bread You can also order authentic New England buns online from companies like A&A Baking and Goldbelly.
The Upgrade: Split-Top Brioche Buns
Brioche buns put a gourmet spin on the classic lobster roll The rich, eggy, lightly sweet flavor adds a delicious complexity. Brioche dough is also sturdy enough to hold generous amounts of lobster without falling apart.
The most popular brand of brioche lobster roll buns is from Fantini Bakery in Rhode Island. Their split-top brioche buns are stronger and more durable than typical hot dog buns. The Fantini family has been baking breads and pastries for over 100 years. Their brioche lobster roll buns are used by high-end restaurants across New England.
You can order Fantini split-top brioche lobster roll buns online directly from the bakery’s website. Another option is to buy them from seafood retailers like Maine Lobster Now that specialize in ingredients for homemade lobster rolls.
The Supermarket Option: King’s Hawaiian Buns
King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls have rapidly grown in popularity over the last decade. Their soft, slightly sweet taste makes a tasty alternative to traditional hot dog buns. King’s Hawaiian rolls are readily available at most major supermarkets across the country.
The downside is that standard King’s Hawaiian rolls don’t have a split top, so you’ll have to slice the bun yourself. This can lead to some tearing when overstuffed with lobster salad. If you want to use King’s Hawaiian buns, look for their newer split-top sandwich rolls which are perfect for lobster rolls.
Bake Your Own ultimate Lobster Roll Buns
For the absolute freshest lobster roll buns, bake them from scratch yourself. Homemade buns will be soft and pillowy with a just-right sweetness. Shaping and splitting the dough yourself allows you to create the perfect vessel for stuffing with lobster.
There are lots of great recipes online for top-split lobster roll buns. Most include extra butter or milk powder for softness. Brioche dough is always a tasty choice that pairs beautifully with lobster.
Be sure to brush the buns with melted butter before toasting for that authentic lobster roll flavor. Check out recipes from Food Network, Taste of Home, King Arthur Baking, and Allrecipes. Baking your own lets you control the ingredient quality and customize the bun size and shape.
Lobster Roll Bread Buying Tips
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Look for hot dog buns labeled as “New England style” or “top-split” for the classic lobster roll experience.
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Opt for brioche buns for a high-end, gourmet twist on the traditional lobster roll.
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Try King’s Hawaiian split-top rolls for a sweet, bakery-style bun that’s readily available.
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Bake your own buns for the ultimate fresh, customized lobster roll bread.
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Avoid breads with tough crusts or dense, chewy textures that will overpower the lobster flavor.
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Softer, lighter buns will soak up the lobster juice without getting soggy.
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Brush any bun with melted butter before toasting to highlight the buttery lobster flavors.
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Order lobster roll buns online directly from New England bakeries for authenticity.
Don’t Skimp on the Bread
A good lobster roll bun is more than just a vehicle for the lobster filling – it’s an integral part of the overall flavor and experience. Take care to choose a bread that complements, rather than competes with, the sweet lobster meat. The right bun will allow the fresh seafood taste to shine.
Now that you know where to find the best lobster roll bread options, you can create this beloved New England specialty at home. Enjoy stuffing pillowy, toasted buns with heaps of tender lobster salad for a truly indulgent treat. The next time you get a craving for an authentic lobster roll, don’t skip the step of tracking down the perfect bread. Your taste buds will thank you.
Hungry Eaters Love Luke’s
Review for Lobster Roll Bundle – Serves 4
And you can make them right in your own home! These are by far the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had. You get flash-frozen, high-quality lobster meat that isn’t seasoned, so you can add anything and as much as you want. They are easy to make. No gloppy too much Mayo, or overly seasoned filling!.