Whenever I want to bring a bit of beachside luxury to the table, these mini lobster rolls are my go-to.
They’re buttery, flavorful, and made with soft Hawaiian rolls that soak up every drop of that lemony, garlicky butter.
I’ve made these for summer parties, family brunches, even just as a special weekend snack—and they never last long!
Why I Love This Recipe
Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself
Uses Hawaiian rolls for a soft, sweet contrast to the rich lobster
Quick to make with pre-cooked lobster—no boiling required
Each bite is buttery, citrusy, and packed with flavor
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Cooked Lobster: Already prepared lobster meat saves time and is packed with sweet, briny flavor.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls are the perfect miniature buns.
Butter: Melted and infused with seasoning for a rich finish.
Old Bay Seasoning: Brings the classic seafood spice—savory, smoky, and a little zesty.
Garlic Powder & Lemon Juice: Boost flavor and balance the richness.
Fresh Chives: A bright green finish that adds color and a mild oniony note.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use warm melted butter when mixing with lobster so it fully coats the meat.
Don’t skip the Old Bay butter glaze—it gives the rolls extra flavor and golden color.
Slice only a thin slit into the top of each roll, not all the way through.
Add chives just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Mini Lobster Rolls
Step 1. Prep the Rolls
Slice a narrow slit down the center of each Hawaiian sweet roll to create a pocket for the filling.
Be careful not to slice all the way through.
Step 2. Toast with Butter & Old Bay
Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the Old Bay seasoning. Brush the tops of the rolls generously with this butter mixture.
Place on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Step 3. Mix the Lobster Filling
In a bowl, combine the cooked lobster with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, garlic powder, and fresh lemon juice.
Stir until evenly coated and fragrant.
Step 4. Assemble the Rolls
Once the rolls are slightly crisp and golden on top, fill each one with a spoonful of buttery lobster mixture.
Step 5. Garnish and Serve
Top each roll with finely chopped fresh chives.
Serve immediately while warm.
What to Serve It With
These mini lobster rolls go perfectly with a light summer salad, kettle chips, or grilled corn on the cob.
They also pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or lemonade.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap the Protein: Try crab meat or shrimp for an equally delicious twist.
Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or a few chili flakes to the butter mixture.
Herb Boost: Mix in a bit of dill or tarragon with the lobster for more complexity.
Mini Brioche Buns: If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, brioche sliders are a great substitute.
Storage & Leftovers
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the lobster filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently before refilling fresh rolls.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the lobster can change when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes, just thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with butter.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper as a substitute.
Are these good for parties?
Absolutely! They’re perfect finger foods and can be made in batches ahead of time.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can toast the rolls and mix the lobster in advance, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Let the lobster mixture cool slightly before filling, and toast the rolls well to keep them crisp.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes—just add a pinch of extra salt to the mix.
Do I need to remove shells if using whole lobster?
Yes, make sure to fully remove the shells before chopping and mixing.
Final Thoughts
These buttery mini lobster rolls are everything I love in a summer bite—rich seafood flavor, warm bread, and a tangy, herby finish.
They’re elegant enough for a celebration but easy enough for a weekday treat.
If you’re craving something coastal, quick, and totally satisfying, these little rolls deliver big.
