Warm vs. Cold Lobster Rolls: Our Favorite Recipes for Both

TL;DR: Explore the delicious debate between cold (Maine-style) and warm (Connecticut-style) lobster rolls. Learn the history, discover key differences, and try our favorite recipes using premium claw and knuckle meat delivered to your door.

• Cold rolls use chilled lobster, mayo, and celery
• Warm rolls feature lobster simmered in lemon butter
• Both use toasted split-top buns
• Recipes are easy, quick, and serve 2
• Frozen lobster meat works great
• Warm rolls outsell cold 3:1 in New England

Lobster Rolls are a classic summer seafood treat, hailing from New England, but beloved across the country. One of the great seafood debates is between warm vs cold lobster rolls. You’ll need to know the differences to pick a side and decide which lobster roll recipe is the one for you.

In this blog, we’ll clearly define the differences between cold lobster rolls vs warm lobster rolls. We’re even sharing our favorite recipes to make lobster rolls, warm or cold. Consider making both types and declaring a true winner for yourself!

Warm Lobster Roll vs Cold Lobster Roll: Definitions

Cold Lobster Roll (Maine Style)

The cold lobster roll is often referred to as the “Maine Lobster Roll”. This style of lobster roll is prepared cold with mayonnaise. It’s a refreshing, creamy option that’s perfect for summer.

The first recipe for cold lobster rolls appeared in print as early as 1829. By the end of the 19^th century, the cold lobster roll appeared in numerous cookbooks. . While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin, it’s clear that the cold lobster roll has a long history in American cuisine.

Warm Lobster Roll (Connecticut Style)

The warm lobster roll is often referred to as the “Connecticut” Lobster Roll. This style of lobster roll is made warm with butter. This style offers a rich, buttery flavor that’s sure to satisfy.

The origin of the warm lobster roll is easier to trace, with most sources crediting a restaurant called Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut, in the 1920s as the birthplace of this iconic dish.

Today, you can enjoy both warm and cold lobster rolls anywhere in New England. While Maine is known for its cold lobster rolls and Connecticut for its warm, you can enjoy either style in any state that has access to fresh or frozen lobster meat!

Check out our Lobster Roll recipe breakdown video below!

Cold Maine Lobster Roll

The Maine lobster roll is regarded as the “Classic” Lobster roll recipe. This lobster roll is refreshing and made with just a few ingredients.

The Maine lobster roll is the quintessential classic lobster roll recipe. This refreshing dish is made with just a few simple ingredients, allowing the lobster to shine.

All you need is mayo, White Pepper, Kosher Salt, and diced Celery. But the true star of the show is Premium Claw and Knuckle Lobster Meat, served on a perfectly grilled golden-brown hot dog roll.

Warm Connecticut Lobster Roll

This roll stands in stark contrast to the Maine Lobster roll. Still, many would argue it’s just as delicious (after all, douse anything in butter, and you can’t go wrong!). Prepared with similar ingredients as its cold counterpart, we add lemon zest to brighten up the butter. We think you’ll love the bright, zesty flavor that complements the sweet lobster meat perfectly!