Mary-Frances Heck’s “Knuckle Sandwich” Lobster Rolls

Not all lobster meat is created equal. Former Food & Wine senior editor Mary-Frances Heck swears by the lobster knuckle—the tender, sweet segments connecting the claws to the body. In her playful take on the lobster roll, she transforms this underappreciated cut into the star of what she calls the “Knuckle Sandwich.”

The salad is chilled, simple, and creamy with lemon, herbs, and celery, then tucked into a hot buttered New England–style bun. It’s a lobster roll that’s both elegant and unfussy—the kind you’ll want to enjoy with a cold beer and good company while cracking shells side by side.

🦞 Quick Recipe Card: Knuckle Sandwich Lobster Rolls

Recipe: Mary-Frances Heck’s Knuckle Sandwich Lobster Rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked lobster knuckle & claw meat (from ~3 lobsters)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp chopped chervil or tarragon

• ¼ cup celery, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (+ extra for garnish)

• 6 New England–style hot dog buns (top-split)

• 2 tbsp salted butter, softened

• 6 butter lettuce leaves

• 6 whole lobster claws (optional, for garnish)

• Kosher salt & black pepper

Special Equipment

• Large skillet for toasting buns

• Mixing bowls

✅ Pro Tip: Crack the shells with a friend and a cold beer—it makes the tedious work faster (and more fun).

Step 1: Make the Lobster Salad

Whisk mayo, lemon juice, and herbs together, season, then fold in celery and lobster knuckle meat. Chill up to 4 hours for the best flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Butter the sides of New England–style buns and toast in a skillet until golden brown.

Step 3: Assemble Rolls

Fold chives into the salad, then line each bun with butter lettuce. Fill with lobster salad, sprinkle with more chives, and, if desired, crown each roll with a whole lobster claw.

Why This Recipe Works

This lobster roll is about showcasing the sweetest part of the lobster: the knuckles. With just a touch of herbs, lemon, and celery for crunch, the lobster takes center stage. Nestled in a warm, buttered bun, it’s both refined and approachable—a true New England classic with a playful twist.

Bring the Sweetest Lobster Home

At Pine State Seafood, we ship premium Maine lobster claws and knuckle meat straight to your door. Perfect for recreating Mary-Frances Heck’s Knuckle Sandwich Lobster Rolls without the hassle of cracking shells.

Because once you’ve tried a knuckle sandwich, you’ll never go back.