Lobster roll dip is a delicious appetizer that can be enjoyed in many different ways. The key ingredients are typically lobster meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings. This dip pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or vegetables. While the basic components are straightforward, there are some tips and techniques to get the most out of this tasty treat.
What is lobster roll dip?
Lobster roll dip, also sometimes called hot lobster dip, is a type of seafood dip made with lobster meat. It has a creamy, rich consistency from ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Lemon juice brightens up the flavors. Onions, celery, and parsley are often used to add more depth. Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne or paprika give it a delicious kick. The lobster meat can be mixed throughout the dip or used as a topping.
This appetizer dip is inspired by the classic Maine lobster roll sandwich. The flavors complement each other wonderfully. It makes for a great starter or party food. The dip can be served chilled or warm, with an array of dippers like bread, crackers, vegetables, or chips.
Choosing your lobster
Fresh lobster meat is ideal for making this appetizer. You can use lobster tails or claw and knuckle meat. Cooked lobster works best as the textures will be right for mixing into the dip. If you’re catching your own lobster, aim for 1-1.5 pound lobsters which will yield approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of meat from each lobster.
When buying pre-cooked lobster meat, look for pieces with no black spots or mushiness. Frozen is okay too – just thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Canned lobster meat works as well but may have a less fresh flavor. Buying pre-cooked lobster meat can save a lot of effort compared to cooking your own.
Types of lobster you can use
- Maine lobster
- Rock lobster
- Spiny lobster
- European lobster
- American lobster
- Langouste lobster
Maine and American lobster have a sweeter, more tender meat. Rock, spiny, and European lobsters have a firmer texture. Any type works for lobster dip, so choose based on availability and preference.
Choosing additional ingredients
Cream cheese and mayonnaise form the creamy base of the dip. Sour cream can also be used. Lemon brightens the flavor, while salt, pepper, parsley, green onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Cayenne, paprika, or Tabasco can give it some heat. Go light on more pungent ingredients like onions or garlic so they don’t overpower the lobster.
Suggested ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
- Green onions
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Tabasco
Tailor the ingredients to your tastes – add avocado or bacon for richness, use Greek yogurt for more tang, or sprinkle in Old Bay seasoning for authentic flavor. Just don’t overmix – chunks of lobster make each bite more delicious.
How to make lobster roll dip
This easy appetizer comes together in just 20 minutes. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Chop 1 pound cooked lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in lobster pieces, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
- Transfer to serving dish, smoothing top. Garnish with extra green onions and parsley.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or warm.
And that’s it! For warm dip, bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until bubbling at edges. This also makes the flavors pop even more. Adjust quantities to make more or less dip as needed.
How to serve lobster roll dip
This versatile appetizer can be served in many ways for any occasion:
As a dip
Serve in a bowl with crackers, bread slices, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Pair with baguette, crostini, or pita chips. Celery, carrot sticks, radish slices, or cucumber are all good veggie pairings. Provide cocktail forks or toothpicks for easy eating.
In puff pastry
Spoon lobster dip into puff pastry shells and bake until golden. Serve warm for an elegant presentation.
With potato skins
Fill baked potato skins with lobster dip and return to oven until heated through. Top with bacon bits, green onions, and cheese.
In mini phyllo cups
Line mini muffin tins with phyllo dough. Fill with lobster dip and bake until phyllo is crispy. Top with fresh dill.
As a spread
Slather the dip on sandwiches, burgers, or bagels instead of mayo or cheese. Works great on toasted English muffins or brioche buns.
Get creative with your serving methods! The dip makes a fabulous filler for seafood tacos too.
Lobster Roll Dip Pairings
Beyond the dippers, certain beverages and sides complement lobster dip wonderfully:
Wine pairings
- Champagne – complements the elegance of lobster
- Chardonnay – rich, buttery notes mirror the dip
- Sauvignon blanc – clean, crisp to balance the richness
- Rosé – refreshing with the seafood flavors
- Beer – lager, wheat beer, pale ale
Sides
- Breadsticks
- Seafood salad
- New England clam chowder
- Oyster crackers
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Caesar salad
A petite lobster Cobb salad also pairs wonderfully for a light meal.
Serving Temperature
Lobster roll dip can be served chilled, room temperature, or warm:
| Temperature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chilled | Keeps dip firm and easy to scoop onto dippers |
| Room temperature | Allows flavors to shine through |
| Warm | Enhances aromas and makes dip more unctuous |
Chill the dip first to allow it to fully set. Take out of refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving for room temperature. To serve warm, bake until heated through and slightly bubbling at edges.
Lobster Roll Dip Storage
Properly stored, lobster dip will keep for:
- Refrigerator – 3 to 5 days
- Freezer – 2 to 3 months
Store tightly covered in an airtight container. Place plastic wrap directly on surface before sealing to prevent drying out. Use within recommended time for best texture and flavor.
The creamy base has a tendency to weep as it sits. Stir dip to re-incorporate before serving if needed. Separating lobster pieces from the dip itself can also help minimize this.
Recipe Variations
Some ways to put your own spin on classic lobster roll dip include:
- Using lemon-pepper mayonnaise instead of plain
- Adding crabmeat for a seafood medley flavor
- Mixing in fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon
- Swapping out sour cream for the mayo for more tang
- Stirring in shredded cheese like Gruyère or fontina
- Topping with lobster meat instead of mixing in
- Drizzling with truffle oil before serving
Feel free to get creative and make this appetizer your own! Just maintain the basic creamy base and bulk of lobster meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lobster dip 1-2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Is frozen lobster ok to use?
Frozen lobster works wonderfully in this recipe. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Drain off any excess liquid before mixing into the dip.
Can I use canned lobster meat?
Canned lobster will work, but may have a less fresh flavor. Make sure to drain it well first. Frozen or fresh cooked lobster is ideal if you can get it.
Can I use imitation crab instead?
Real lobster provides the signature sweet, briny flavor this dip is known for. But in a pinch, you can substitute imitation crab, just know the flavor will not be quite the same.
How long will the dip keep in the fridge?
Leftover lobster dip will keep 3-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Make sure to smooth plastic wrap over the surface before sealing. Use within that time for best quality.
Conclusion
With its rich creaminess and sweet lobster flavor, this appetizer dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. While the ingredients are simple, there are many different ways to tweak it to your liking. Prepare and serve chilled or warm alongside crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables. Pair with white wine or beer and enjoy the classic New England-inspired flavors. With a few tips on ingredients and serving methods, lobster roll dip can be a delicious addition to your next gathering.