Scrumptious Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Recipe

Whipping up delectable cheddar bay crab cakes can transport you straight to coastal dining bliss.

Succulent crab meat mingles with sharp cheese and zesty herbs in this irresistible seafood creation.

Delicate seasonings dance across each perfectly formed cake, promising incredible flavor in every bite.

Maryland’s culinary traditions inspire this mouthwatering dish that combines rich maritime ingredients with classic comfort.

Crispy exterior gives way to tender, flaky inner textures that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Drizzled with bright lemon butter, these crab cakes elevate a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor each carefully crafted morsel and impress everyone gathered around the dinner table.

FAQs

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

Use fresh lump crab meat or high-quality canned crab meat. Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor and texture, but good quality canned crab can work well if fresh isn’t available.

• Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps them hold together better and develop more flavor. Just be sure to keep them covered and chilled.

• How do I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart during cooking?

Chilling the formed patties for 30 minutes is crucial. Also, handle them gently when shaping and flipping, and use a thin spatula to turn them carefully in the pan.

What Makes Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Special

• Customize with Creativity: Personalize these crab cakes by adjusting seasonings or adding your favorite herbs for a unique twist that makes the recipe truly your own.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that don't require professional culinary skills.
• Pack with Protein: Enjoy a delicious seafood dish loaded with high-quality protein from fresh crab meat, making it a nutritious meal option for health-conscious food lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight family and friends with a crowd-favorite recipe that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, crab, and zesty lemon butter for a memorable dining experience.

Key Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

• Crab Meat: Fresh and delicate seafood that serves as the star ingredient of the crab cakes.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the crab mixture and provides a light, crispy texture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the crab cakes together.
• Flour: Provides additional binding and helps create a firmer texture if needed.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor to complement the crab meat.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy undertone to the crab cakes.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the crab mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the other flavors.

• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the crab cake mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a clean, green flavor and serves as a garnish.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the drizzle.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, acidic component to the butter sauce.
• Garlic (Optional): Provides an extra layer of aromatic flavor to the butter sauce.

How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Step 1: Blend Crab Cake Mixture

• Crab meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Cheddar cheese
• Parsley
• Dijon mustard
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

If the mixture feels too loose, sprinkle flour and mix lightly until just combined.

Step 2: Shape and Chill Patties

Create 8 equal-sized patties with gentle hands. Place patties on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape.

Step 3: Fry Crab Cakes to Perfection

Heat oil or clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry crab cakes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crispy exterior.

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. Season lightly with salt.

Remove from heat once ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle warm lemon butter over the golden crab cakes.

Sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Smart Tips to Make Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

• Use a light touch when combining crab cake ingredients to keep the delicate meat texture intact and prevent tough, dense patties.
• Refrigerate the formed crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and create a crispy exterior.
• Select fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture, avoiding stringy or watery varieties that can compromise the cake's structure.
• Heat oil to medium temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each crab cake develops a golden, crispy crust without becoming greasy.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the crab cake's aromatic profile and complement the rich cheddar cheese.

Creative Twists on Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

• Gluten-Free Seafood Sensation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Cajun Crab Kick: Swap Old Bay seasoning with Cajun spice blend and add diced jalapeños for a zesty, heat-packed alternative that brings bold Southern flavors.
• Healthy Salmon Swap: Substitute crab meat with fresh wild-caught salmon for a different protein option that offers rich omega-3 nutrients and similar cooking technique.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, incorporate chopped fresh dill and mint, and add a splash of white wine to create a Mediterranean-inspired seafood cake with complex, aromatic profile.

Best Foods to Pair with Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty citrus notes perfectly complement the crab cakes’ rich seafood flavor and lemon butter drizzle.

Prosecco’s light bubbles cut through the creaminess while enhancing the cheddar’s tangy profile and highlighting the delicate crab meat.

Gin-based cocktail with fresh thyme or rosemary provides an aromatic backdrop that elevates the crab cakes’ herbal parsley undertones.

Refreshing cucumber salad with dill brings a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, golden-brown crab cakes and provides a cleansing palate experience.

How to Keep Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Fresh

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy, turning once halfway.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes With Lemon Butter Drizzle Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal charm meets culinary magic in these cheddar bay crab cakes, where fresh seafood dances with zesty cheddar and a silky lemon butter drizzle. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each crisp, golden bite of this irresistible dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lump crab meat

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil or clarified butter, for frying

Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gently combine crab meat with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, cheddar cheese, parsley, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate flour if mixture appears too loose, mixing minimally to maintain texture.
2. Form the mixture into 8 uniform patties, ensuring even distribution of ingredients. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes at 40°F to enhance structural integrity and prevent crumbling during cooking.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Carefully place crab cakes in the pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, developing a delicate exterior crust.
4. Transfer cooked crab cakes onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, allowing them to rest and drain briefly.
5. Prepare lemon butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and minced garlic, seasoning lightly with salt for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Plate the crab cakes and generously drizzle warm lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
7. Serve immediately alongside additional lemon wedges to allow guests to adjust citrus intensity according to personal preference.

Notes

• Delicately handle the crab meat to maintain its tender, flaky texture and prevent breaking apart during mixing and cooking.
• Chilling the crab cake mixture helps bind ingredients and prevents them from falling apart when frying, creating a perfect crispy exterior.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Test oil temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the pan – it should sizzle gently, indicating the ideal heat for golden, crispy crab cakes without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg