Mini Lobster Rolls

These mini lobster rolls are a delightful play on the New England classic! This is an easy, warm lobster roll recipe that’s the perfect party food. They’re quick to whip up and they look great – not to mention they taste awesome!

For more recipes just made for a party, check out our ham and cheese sliders (made on sweet Hawaiian rolls, too!), easy meatball appetizers, and truffle potato chips with prosciutto.

Mini Lobster Rolls

I haven’t met many people who don’t love lobster rolls! Especially when they’re served on a warm roll, dipped in melted butter… heaven! 

These mini lobster rolls are easy to make and perfect for a party appetizer or even for dinner if you serve them with homemade potato chips and an easy salad!

My favorite part about these lobster rolls is that they’re served on the beloved Hawaiian rolls. You can use either the original sweet or the savory butter flavor of rolls. They are both so good and go well with the lobster. 

These mini lobster rolls are pretty simple to make as all of the ingredients get mixed in one bowl. 10 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook. That’s quicker than trying to find something to watch on Netflix. They’re the best easy lobster rolls you can make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Party-perfect appetizer: These bite-sized lobster rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will impress all your guests.

Quick and simple: With just 15 minutes total prep and cook time, you can whip these up even when you’re short on time. Perfect for last-minute entertaining!

Deliciously indulgent: The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, buttery lobster, and zesty seasonings creates a flavor explosion that’s absolutely irresistible.

Mini Lobster Roll Ingredients

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery stores. If they don’t have fresh seafood, try a seafood store or fish market to get the best lobster.

Fresh Lobster Meat – For the best lobster rolls you’ll want to use chunks of fresh cooked lobster meat. If you can’t find fresh, you’ll use frozen and let it thaw overnight.

Mayonnaise – Use an organic or an alternative mayonnaise

Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed for this recipe.

Chives – These add color and flavor. A good substitution for chives is thinly sliced green onion.

Dijon Mustard – Add a depth of flavor and a little spice.

Sea Salt – Enhances and adds flavor.

Old Bay Seasoning – A popular condiment mix that originated in Maryland, United States. The blend of herbs and spices has been around since 1939, and it’s a staple of the Chesapeake Bay area cuisine. It includes celery salt, paprika, pepper, and other spices.

Cayenne Pepper – Adds spice to the lobster rolls.

Melted Butter – Adds so much delicious flavor. Use pure, unsalted butter for this recipe.

Hawaiin Dinner Rolls – Fluffy, golden Kings Hawaiian rolls are what make these little rolls unique, and they’re the perfect appetizer size! We loved using these rolls because they’re so soft. I also love these rolls for mini burgers!

Supplies

You’ll need a few things to make these rolls:

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Rubber Spatula
• Pairing Knife and Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet

How To Make Mini Lobster Rolls

We’ll cover everything you need to make these easy lobster rolls, answer questions, and share tips. If you prefer to jump to the recipe, head to the bottom of this post, where you’ll find the recipe card.

Prepare the Lobster Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, chopped lobster meat, lemon juice, minced chives, Old Bay, cayenne, dijon, and sea salt until well combined.

Prepare the Rolls: Pull the Hawaiian rolls apart and place them on a baking sheet. Coat the rolls generously with melted butter using a pastry brush.

Warm the Rolls: Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes until warm and slightly toasted on the outside while remaining soft inside.

Create Pockets: Using a paring knife, carefully slice a hole in the top of each roll to create a pocket for the lobster filling.

Fill the Rolls: Spoon the lobster mixture into each roll, allowing it to slightly overflow for that gourmet look.

Final Touch: Brush the tops again with melted butter for extra richness and shine before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate

Store any leftover mini lobster rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat them in a 325-degree oven for about 3-5 minutes until warm. The lobster mixture alone (without the rolls) can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

We don’t recommend freezing these mini lobster rolls. Freezing and thawing would affect the texture of both the lobster and the Hawaiian rolls, making them soggy when defrosted. The mayonnaise-based filling also doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.

Make Ahead

You can make the lobster mixture ahead of time. In fact, it’s best to prepare the mixture ahead of time so that all the flavors have time to meld and develop.

Assemble the roll just before serving. If you’re going to make this mix ahead of time, we recommend doing this just one day before for freshness.

However, the lobster roll mixture can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and eat it within that time frame.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Swap the mayo: Try using melted butter instead of mayonnaise for a more traditional Connecticut-style lobster roll with a richer flavor.
• Add herbs: Mix in fresh dill, tarragon, or parsley instead of chives for a different herb profile that complements the lobster beautifully.
• Try different bread: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, use mini brioche buns, small hot dog rolls, or even crostini as alternatives for your lobster mixture.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or finely diced jalapeños to the lobster mixture for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the lobster.
• Go lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter version with fewer calories.
• Add crunch: Mix in finely diced celery or fennel for additional texture and a fresh, crisp element to contrast with the soft rolls.
• Try another seafood: Substitute the lobster with lump crab meat or cooked shrimp for a more budget-friendly but equally delicious seafood roll.

Eden’s Tips

Perfect lobster chunks: Make sure to chop the lobster meat into suitable chunks for the mini rolls – not too big or they’ll be hard to eat, but not so small that you lose the texture.

Sweet roll selection: Use Hawaiian sweet rolls to complement the lobster. The sweetness balances nicely with the savory lobster filling.

Butter technique: Brush butter on your rolls before toasting them for that golden color and rich flavor.

Presentation matters: Slice a hole in the top of the buns instead of using a traditional middle cut. This looks great and showcases the lobster mixture.

Fresh finish: Add fresh lemon zest over the top before serving for a bright pop of flavor.

Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of lobster, remember these are bite-sized. A tablespoon or two of filling per roll is perfect.

Serve warm: These mini lobster rolls taste best when served warm.

How To Defrost Frozen Lobster

You can use fresh or frozen lobster. If you use frozen lobster, you need to defrost the lobster before you use it. 

To defrost the lobster place the sealed bags in cold water for 30 – 60 minutes. Pat the lobster dry with paper towels once it’s thawed to remove excess water. If you’re using fresh lobster, keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Once the lobster is defrosted, cut it into chunks and then toss it in the mayonnaise mixture.

When to Serve Mini Lobster Rolls

I don’t think you need an excuse for these little lobster rolls, but here are some occasions and parties that I where I love to serve them:

• Game Day
• Mini Tropical Party
• Oscar Party
• Valentine’s Day
• Garden Party

More Party Appetizers

Here are more party appetizers you’ll love!

• Ultimate Nacho Recipe
• Southern Charcuterie Board
• Fruit and Cheese Platter
• How to Build a Cheese Platter
• Mini Meatball Appetizer
• The Best Whipped Ricotta
• Marinated Olives