The Great Lobster Roll Debate: Maine- Versus Connecticut-Style

By: Emily Lee

Anyone born and raised in New England will tell you that nothing epitomizes summer like a heap of sweet lobster meat piled onto a soft, buttery hot dog bun — a treat that’s best enjoyed with a side of piping-hot French fries and clear ocean views.

A New Englander will also tell you there are two main variations on the theme, Maine style and Connecticut style, and natives of both states are known to fiercely defend their regional recipe as the gold standard of lobster rolls. To an outsider, the differences are subtle; many sandwiches come with a leaf of soft Bibb lettuce, a spritz of lemon juice, salt and black pepper. But a true aficionado knows that the differences between these predominant styles of roll are a bit more nuanced. Not sure you could spot the difference? Find out how to do it, below.

Maine

It’s as simple as this: If the meat is cold, it’s a Maine lobster roll. In most cases, the meat is tossed with mayonnaise, tarragon and celery or scallions before it’s piled into a bun. Generally, it’s served on a “New England” or “Frankfurter” roll, which differs slightly from a standard hot dog roll in that the sides are flat and can be buttered on the outside and then lightly toasted or grilled. Lobster rolls in the U.S. are most commonly associated with the state of Maine, so the cold, tossed-in-mayo iterations are easiest to come by.

Partial to cool chunks of claw, tail and knuckle meat tossed in a delicate layer of mayo? Try Food Network Magazine’s Maine-Style Lobster Rolls with Mayonnaise.

Connecticut

Hold the mayonnaise and bring on the butter. That’s the attitude of Connecticut-style die-hards, who believe a lobster roll served warm is simply called a “lobster roll,” while a lobster roll served cold, as it is throughout most of the Northeast, is called a “lobster salad 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.

Like the sound of warm, buttered lobster meat? Try Food Network Magazine’s Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls with Butter.

Already tried out the two classics? Check out more ways to experiment with lobster rolls this summer:

KO_FN_03LobsterBLT1_112.tif

Photo by: Kana Okada ©Kana Okada, 2014

Kana Okada, Kana Okada, 2014

Loaded Lobster Roll; Aaron McCargo Jr.

Loaded Lobster Roll; Aaron McCargo Jr.

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Cover

Photo by: RYAN DAUSCH

RYAN DAUSCH

Lobster Roll; Ellie Krieger

Lobster Roll; Ellie Krieger

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Next Up

The Great Food Truck Race Returns with Food Truck Pros vs Talented Rookies

The trucks get rolling around Los Angeles Sunday, June 18 at 8|7c.

Panera Brings Back Its Lobster Roll and Lobster Mac & Cheese Just In Time for Summer

After three long years, you can again get your claws in these seasonal customer faves.

Bean Count: The Great Jelly Bean Debate

Black is the only flavor jelly bean sold by the whole bag. Do you leave the black jelly beans behind?

Google Flips on the Great Cheeseburger Emoji Debate of 2017

Who knew cheese on a burger could be so controversial?

It's the Great Butternut Squash

A love letter to fall's best vegetable — er, fruit.

Chefs' Picks: Lobster Rolls

Chefs choose their favorite summer lobster rolls, from Maine to California.

Lobster Rolls, Lightened Up

Gobs of mayo and butter can wreck this summertime goodie. Lighten up your favorite lobster roll recipe and dive in!

Get Ready to Roll This Sunday with The Great Food Truck Race

Watch the new season of The Great Food Truck Race on Sunday at 9pm/8c.