The Maine Lobster Festival is but a summer memory, but if you’re still relishing the taste of Maine lobster, you don’t have to wait an entire year to return to Maine to get it. For Thanksgiving this year, amaze your family and guests with these fresh Maine lobster appetizer recipes.

Live Lobster Packed and Shipped

Since so many community members in the Midcoast support The Maine Lobster Festival, we like to reciprocate by listing reputable lobster shipping companies from which to buy your live lobster. Jess’s Market is the go-to place for the freshest lobster if you’re local. They also ship across the country; call for quotes. Graffam Brothers, in Rockport, has been shipping live lobsters since 1946 and are also adept at getting this perishable product to your door.

For the following recipes, a 1.25- or 1.5-pound lobster is sufficient.  

Lobster Roll Bruschetta

With a fresh French baguette as your building block to this star recipe, grill the lobster while toasting the bread, then layer in the chopped lobster meat with a delicious pickled shallot mixture and fresh tomato. And voilá, you have a colorful appetizer that will start off your Thanksgiving dinner with an elegant touch. Get the recipe.

Bobby Flay’s Lobster Avocado

Anyone who has watched celebrity-chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network knows he likes to win — and this stunning appetizer is definitely a winner. Layer chopped lobster into a short juice glass with all the tang of lime juice, sweetness of honey, and heat of horseradish and hot sauce combined with creamy diced avocado. Get the recipe.

Chilled Corn Soup with Lobster

New Englanders are used to their corn chowder hot, but this recipe will have you re-thinking that idea with a puréed corn soup that has been dressed up with coarsely chopped lobster amplified the savory flavors of tarragon and shallot. A truly sophisticated appetizer that will steal the show. Get the recipe.

For more delicious lobster recipes we feature on our blog, including a four-course meal for a memorable Thanksgiving, visit Maine Lobster Festival’s website.