Imagine buttery mini brioche buns overflowing with luscious, cool lobster salad, kissed with fresh herbs and citrus — that’s the heart of the Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe. This recipe turns any get-together into a true seaside celebration, giving you classic East Coast vibes with every bite. Tender lobster, a creamy hint of mayo and lemon, and a crisp, toasty roll come together in just 20 minutes for a treat that’s as irresistible as it is elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about the Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe is how every single ingredient shines and lifts up the whole dish. With just a handful of carefully chosen items, you’ll get delicate flavors, a pop of color, and that distinctive lobster roll texture everyone craves.
- Lobster meat (1 lb, cooked & chopped): Always use the freshest lobster you can find; it’s what makes these rolls sing.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds that silky, creamy texture and gently coats each chunk of lobster.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A splash of citrus draws out the lobster’s sweetness and keeps the filling bright.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Just a touch gives subtle depth without overpowering the shellfish.
- Fresh chives (1 tbsp, chopped): These add a light onion pop and gorgeous green flecks to the mix.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Parsley brings a garden-fresh note that makes the dish taste even lighter.
- Celery salt (1/4 tsp): The secret seasoning that gives classic lobster rolls their unique flavor.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Perfect for seasoning the mix just to your preference.
- Mini brioche rolls or slider buns (8): Their slight sweetness and pillow-soft crumb make them the ideal lobster roll vehicle.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted): For brushing the rolls, giving them a golden, toasty crust.
- Shredded lettuce (optional): Layer in for a bit of crunch and color if you love that classic touch.
How to Make Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Lobster Filling
Start by combining the chopped lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh chives, parsley, celery salt, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper in a medium bowl. Gently fold everything together so you don’t break up the lobster too much — the goal is luscious, chunky lobster in every bite. Once it’s all evenly coated, cover and chill the mixture for at least 15 minutes. This brief rest lets the flavors meld and develop, making every roll taste a little more magical.
Step 2: Prepare and Toast the Rolls
While the filling chills, turn your attention to the mini brioche rolls. Using a pastry brush, coat the insides of each roll with melted unsalted butter. Toast the rolls cut-side down in a skillet over medium heat or on a baking tray in a preheated oven. The rolls should turn golden and slightly crisp — this is key for a satisfying contrast to the creamy lobster filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
If you like a little crunch, tuck a small layer of shredded lettuce inside each roll. Spoon a generous mound of the chilled lobster salad into the toasted buns, letting it spill over the edges just a bit for that iconic lobster roll look. Serve them up immediately while the rolls are still warm and the filling is cool and juicy.
How to Serve Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Give each Mini Lobster Roll a final flourish with a sprinkle of extra chives or parsley. A cracked pepper grind or a light dusting of lemon zest right before serving can elevate appearance and add a zippy, fragrant finish. If you’re feeling extra, a lemon wedge on the side never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
These rolls are fabulous with crispy kettle chips, classic potato salad, or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. You can also go the old-school route and serve them alongside sweet pickles or coleslaw for that true New England picnic feel.
Creative Ways to Present
The Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe lends itself beautifully to all kinds of occasions. Arrange them on a wooden board with artisan pickles and extra herbs for an elevated cocktail party snack. Try serving them in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free eating at gatherings, or stack them in a basket lined with napkins for a summery beach bash vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover lobster salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the lobster mixture and the rolls separate to prevent sogginess, assembling each roll fresh as needed.
Freezing
For best results, avoid freezing the finished Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe, as mayonnaise-based salads and lobster meat can become watery once thawed. However, you can freeze just the lobster meat for up to one month, then thaw and use it to make fresh rolls later on.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat the lobster mixture, but if you like your rolls extra warm, quickly re-toast the buns before filling. If you want a warm version, gently heat the lobster meat in melted butter and skip the mayonnaise entirely for a classic Connecticut-style lobster roll twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat in this Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster meat works well — just thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What’s the best way to chop the lobster?
Use a sharp knife and cut the lobster into bite-sized pieces, but don’t mince it too finely. The joy of this Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe is in those large, juicy chunks of lobster in every mouthful.
Can I make the lobster filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the lobster salad up to a day ahead. Just store it tightly covered in the fridge, then assemble the rolls right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have mini brioche rolls?
No worries! Slider buns, potato rolls, or even small dinner rolls work perfectly here. The sweeter and softer the bread, the better to complement the rich lobster filling.
Is it possible to lighten up the recipe?
If you’d like a lighter version, try swapping some or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt, or use less butter. It won’t be as rich, but you’ll still get to enjoy the flavor-packed goodness of the Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with very little effort and maximum flavor, this Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Dive in, experiment with your favorite garnishes, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of coastal bliss — you’ll be making these on repeat, promise!
Print
Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook (with optional toasting)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Mini Lobster Rolls, perfect for a summer gathering or elegant appetizer. Tender lobster meat mixed with creamy mayo and fresh herbs, nestled in buttery brioche buns.
Ingredients
Lobster Filling:
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat (chopped)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 mini brioche rolls or slider buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- Optional: shredded lettuce for layering
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Filling: In a medium bowl, combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Toast Buns: Brush insides of rolls with butter, toast until golden.
- Assemble: Optionally layer lettuce in rolls, spoon lobster mixture, and serve.
Notes
- For a warm version, heat lobster with butter and skip mayo.
- Substitute part of lobster with shrimp for a budget-friendly twist.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or as an elegant appetizer.
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