Cozy Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe with Lemon Butter Magic

Seafood enthusiasts adore these mouthwatering cheddar bay crab cakes that blend succulent crab meat with zesty cheese flavors.

The bold cheddar bay crab cakes recipe promises a delightful twist on classic seafood fare.

Rich, golden-brown patties emerge crisp and irresistible from the skillet, promising restaurant-quality results at home.

Each tender cake bursts with delicate crab and sharp cheddar notes that dance across your palate.

The accompanying lemon butter drizzle adds a bright, luxurious finish that elevates every single bite.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this dish surprisingly easy to master.

You’ll want to serve these impressive crab cakes at your next gathering, delighting everyone with their incredible taste and elegant presentation.

FAQs

• What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump crab meat is ideal because it provides large, tender chunks that hold the cake together while maintaining a delicate texture and rich seafood flavor.

• Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs or should I make my own?

Store-bought breadcrumbs work perfectly fine. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs will also create a great crab cake.

• How do I know if the crab cakes are fully cooked?

Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165F and have a golden brown exterior. This ensures the eggs are fully cooked and the crab cakes are heated thoroughly.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle: What Sets Them Apart

• Create Gourmet Restaurant-Style Dish at Home: Simple crab cakes that bring professional seafood restaurant quality right to your kitchen without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allowing personal touches like adjusting cheese quantity, trying different seasonings, or making smaller/larger portions based on your preference.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly suited for dinner parties, family gatherings, or unexpected guests, delivering impressive results with minimal preparation time and straightforward cooking steps.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Option: Delivers high-quality protein from crab meat, offers balanced nutrition, and provides a healthier alternative to traditional fried seafood dishes while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Ingredients

• Lump Crab Meat: Fresh and delicate protein that forms the core of the crab cakes.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich flavor and helps bind the crab cakes.
• Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Mayonnaise: Ingredients that help hold the crab cakes together and provide structure.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic notes to the crab cakes.
• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Old Bay Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create a well-balanced and zesty flavor profile.

• Butter, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that create a tangy and rich drizzle to complement the crab cakes.

How to Prepare Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F (190C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth food release.

Step 2: Create the Crab Cake Mixture

• Lump crab meat
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Green onions
• Parsley
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Fold everything together softly to keep the crab meat tender and intact.

Step 3: Shape the Cakes

Use your hands or an ice cream scoop to create uniform patties.

Make them about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet.

Pop them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crab cakes turn a beautiful golden brown.

Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Step 5: Whip Up the Lemon Butter Sauce

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat
• Remove from heat
• Stir in lemon juice
• Add garlic powder
• Mix until smooth

Keep the sauce warm until serving time.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the hot crab cakes to serving plates.

Drizzle each cake generously with the warm lemon butter sauce.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or add a lemon wedge on the side.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle: Cooking Wisdom

• Gently mix crab meat to preserve its tender texture and prevent breaking the delicate chunks during preparation.
• Refrigerate formed patties for 30 minutes to help them hold together and develop a firmer consistency during baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Ensure crab cakes reach 165F internal temperature for safe consumption and optimal food safety.
• Adjust lemon butter drizzle by adding more lemon juice for tanginess or reducing heat to control sauce thickness.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle: New Style Ideas

• Seafood Medley Cakes: Replace crab meat with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and white fish for a varied seafood experience.
• Gluten-Free Crab Cakes: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed variation.
• Vegetarian Crab Cake Alternative: Use hearts of palm or artichoke hearts instead of crab meat, maintaining the same seasoning and binding techniques for a plant-based option.

Ways to Serve Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

• Seaside Picnic Platter: Arrange crab cakes on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, crisp mixed greens, and colorful cherry tomatoes for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Brunch Companion: Pair with soft scrambled eggs, roasted asparagus, and a light mixed green salad to create a delightful weekend morning meal.
• Seafood Feast Spread: Serve alongside garlic roasted shrimp, herbed rice pilaf, and a zesty coleslaw for a complete coastal-inspired dining experience.
• Cocktail Party Bite: Cut crab cakes into smaller appetizer sizes, skewer with toothpicks, and offer with a tangy remoulade sauce for elegant party finger food.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle: Storage Solutions

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap individual uncooked or cooked crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen crab cakes will keep for up to 1 month, providing a quick meal option when needed.
• Warm refrigerated crab cakes in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the cakes soggy and compromise their delicate texture.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes With Lemon Butter Drizzle Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar bay crab cakes sparkle with coastal charm, blending Maryland’s seafood tradition and Red Lobster’s beloved biscuit inspiration. Lemon butter drizzle elevates these crispy delights, inviting you to savor each luxurious, golden-crusted bite of pure ocean elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs (or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon

Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the crab cakes.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately combine lump crab meat with shredded cheddar, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper, gently folding to maintain crab meat integrity.
3. Craft uniform patties approximately 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick using hands or an ice cream scoop, positioning them on the prepared baking sheet, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance structural stability.
4. Place the chilled crab cakes in the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165F, indicating complete cooking.
5. Simultaneously, create the lemon butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then removing from flame and incorporating lemon juice and garlic powder until thoroughly blended, maintaining warmth for serving.
6. Plate the freshly baked crab cakes, generously drizzling the warm lemon butter sauce over each, and optionally garnish with additional chopped parsley or zesty lemon wedges for enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Gently handle the delicate crab meat to maintain its tender texture and prevent breaking apart during mixing, which ensures a luxurious, chunky crab cake experience.
• Chilling the formed patties before baking helps them hold their shape, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and packed with flavor.
• Opt for high-quality lump crab meat for the best taste and texture, avoiding imitation crab which can compromise the dish’s authenticity and richness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the crab cake’s classic crunch.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg