Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Recipe
Delight in these Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes topped with a luscious lemon butter drizzle. Packed with lump crab meat, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned with Old Bay, these golden-baked crab cakes are a perfect appetizer or main dish that combines rich flavors with a buttery citrus kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 crab cakes 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Cakes
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for extra cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon Butter Drizzle
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix crab cake ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the lump crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your crab cakes.
- Shape into patties: Using your hands, form the crab mixture into evenly sized patties and arrange them neatly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for proper cooking.
- Bake the crab cakes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The crab cakes are done when they develop a golden brown crust and are heated through.
- Make the lemon butter drizzle: While the crab cakes bake, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lemon juice and garlic powder, then keep the drizzle warm until ready to serve.
- Serve: Once the crab cakes are baked, transfer them to serving plates and drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over each for a bright, buttery finish.
- Optional chilling step: For firmer crab cakes that hold their shape better during baking, refrigerate the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Optional ingredient substitution: Substitute the breadcrumbs with Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for an extra cheesy flavor and added texture in the crab cakes.
Notes
- Refrigerating the crab cake patties before baking helps them stay together and improves texture.
- Using lump crab meat ensures a delicate flaky texture and premium crab flavor.
- Cheddar Bay biscuit mix can be used in place of breadcrumbs for a richer, cheesy taste.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning and salt according to your preferred flavor intensity.
- For crispier crab cakes, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: crab cakes, cheddar bay crab cakes, lemon butter drizzle, seafood appetizer, baked crab cakes, easy crab recipe
