Lobster rolls are a quintessential New England summer treat. With tender lobster meat tucked into a buttered, toasted bun, they are simply divine. But what if you can’t polish off the whole lobster roll in one sitting? Is it possible to reheat leftover lobster rolls while maintaining that just-prepared flavor and texture?
As a seafood lover and homemade lobster roll enthusiast I decided to find out. After testing different reheating methods I’m happy to report that you can absolutely revive day-old lobster rolls, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.
Storing Lobster Rolls for Later
The first step is proper storage after initially preparing or purchasing your lobster rolls.
Here are a few tips
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Allow lobster rolls to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Place rolls in an airtight container or bag. This prevents drying out.
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Refrigerate for up to 2 days The bun will start to get stale after that
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For longer storage, wrap rolls individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Proper chilling preserves the quality of both the lobster meat and the bun. Now let’s look at the best reheating techniques.
Reheating Lobster Rolls in the Oven
The oven is my preferred method for reheating lobster rolls to a tender, warmed through state while maintaining textural integrity. Here is my step-by-step oven reheating process:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Use convection setting if available.
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Place rolls spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Heat rolls for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
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For extra moisture, brush with a little melted butter halfway through baking.
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Serve immediately after baking for maximum enjoyment.
The gentle oven heat thoroughly warms the lobster rolls without drying them out or making the bun tough.
Reheating Lobster Rolls on the Stovetop
For a quicker reheating option, you can also use the stovetop:
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Choose a skillet or pan that fits all the lobster rolls with a little room around each.
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Heat the pan over medium low heat and add a teaspoon of butter.
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Add the rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
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Keep a close eye to avoid burning the bun.
The key is using moderate heat to gently warm the rolls while the butter keeps things from drying out.
Reheating Lobster Rolls in the Air Fryer
Air fryers can also do a decent job:
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Set air fryer to 300°F.
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Place rolls in air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
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Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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Brush with melted butter after cooking for added richness.
The air fryer gives the lobster rolls a quick crisping while warming the insides.
Microwave Reheating as a Last Resort
I don’t recommend the microwave as it often leaves lobster rolls soggy and unevenly heated. But in a pinch:
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Microwave rolls on half power in 30 second intervals.
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Stop and check temperature frequently.
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Microwave just until warm, not piping hot.
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Let sit 2 minutes before eating.
While microwaving dries out many foods, using short bursts can reheat lobster rolls reasonably well. But consider it a last choice.
Serving Reheated Lobster Rolls
Once reheated, here are some finishing touches for serving:
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Add extra butter on top for richness while still warm.
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A squeeze of lemon brightens up flavors.
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For crunch, top with potato chips, coleslaw, or pickles.
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Serve alongside french fries or a cold beer.
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For stunning presentation, skewer with decorative picks.
With the right accompaniments, your reheated lobster rolls will taste like they just came from the seafood shack!
Handling Food Safety
When dealing with seafood, food safety is also critical. Follow these guidelines:
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Discard lobster rolls left out more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
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Never reheat rolls more than once. Discard any leftovers after reheating.
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Look for signs of spoilage like off odors, sliminess, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat within 3-4 days.
Taking precautions prevents foodborne illnesses when enjoying this seasonal delight.
Is Reheating Really Worth It?
Given the succulent sweetness of lobster meat and the indulgence of buttery, toasted buns, leftover lobster rolls are absolutely worth salvaging.
Using the proper reheating techniques outlined here, you can revive that tender, flaky lobster and crispy bun to nearly original form. Follow my instructions, and don’t let any of these special treats go to waste!
With summer in full swing, get out there and enjoy some freshly prepared lobster rolls straight from the seafood stand. And when you can’t finish them all, have no fear. Now you know exactly how to reheat lobster rolls and extend the enjoyment into the next day!