Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Get ready to elevate your seafood game with these irresistible Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle. This recipe is a game-changer, blending the traditional crab cake flavors with a cheesy twist and a zesty lemon butter drizzle. The combination of sweet lump crab meat, gooey cheddar cheese, and a hint of tangy lemon creates a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing.

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during a summer dinner party, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The cheddar cheese melts into the crab cakes as they bake, creating a decadent texture that is simply irresistible. And that lemon butter drizzle? It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a skeptic, these crab cakes are sure to win you over.

Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – these Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some oven magic, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish ready to impress your guests. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every bite of these indulgent crab cakes.

Quick Benefits

• Gourmet Twist: Elevates traditional crab cakes with the addition of cheddar cheese and a lemon butter drizzle.
• Versatile: Offers various customization options like adding jalapeños, using different cheeses, or incorporating smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for quick and easy meals, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.
• Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: Receives rave reviews from skeptics and seafood enthusiasts alike, making it a sought-after dish for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet crab meat, savory cheddar cheese, and bright lemon butter drizzle create a delicious symphony of tastes in every bite.
• Gooey cheese pockets: The melted cheddar cheese in the crab cakes adds a gooey, cheesy surprise that elevates the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Crispy exterior: The golden and crisp exterior of the crab cakes provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crab meat inside.
• Versatile recipe: Whether you prefer a classic version or want to try fun variations like adding jalapeños or swapping cheddar for gruyère, this recipe offers endless possibilities to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-ahead convenience: The crab cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-pleasing dish: From seafood skeptics to crab cake purists, this recipe has won over even the pickiest eaters and become a favorite among friends and family members.
• Signature dish potential: These cheddar bay crab cakes have the potential to become your go-to signature dish that friends and family will specifically request for gatherings and celebrations, making you the star of the kitchen.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Crab Cakes

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for extra flavor)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Drizzle

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix crab cake ingredients

In a large bowl, delicately mix together lump crab meat, cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix and break up the crab meat.

Step 3: Form and chill the patties

Shape the mixture into even-sized patties using your hands or an ice cream scoop, about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Bake the crab cakes

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown, heated through, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the lemon butter

Prepare the lemon butter drizzle by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and garlic powder until well combined. Keep warm until serving.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the hot crab cakes and drizzle with warm lemon butter sauce before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once the Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are prepared, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispy exterior when reheating, place the crab cakes in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The lemon butter drizzle can be made ahead of time and refrigerated separately, then gently reheated when ready to serve.

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked crab cake patties separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, the frozen patties can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Just remember to add about 5-7 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. This allows you to have a delicious batch of crab cakes ready to bake whenever the craving strikes, making meal planning and preparation a breeze.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lactose-free or dairy-free version of these crab cakes, you can easily substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheddar shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These alternatives will still provide a nice umami taste and melt slightly during baking to create a similar gooey texture.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Another option is to use almond flour or finely ground oats for a nutty and crunchy texture. This substitution will help bind the crab cakes together and provide a delicious crispy exterior without the gluten. Just ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of these Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes, consider serving them on a bed of lightly dressed arugula for a fresh contrast to the rich and savory flavors. Garnish each crab cake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives and a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top just before indulging. For a more upscale twist, serve the crab cakes as a starter in individual mini cast iron skillets, drizzling the lemon butter on top just before bringing them to the table. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps keep the crab cakes warm throughout the meal.

For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a DIY crab cake bar at your next gathering. Provide a variety of toppings such as avocado slices, pickled red onions, Sriracha mayo, and additional shredded cheeses for guests to customize their crab cake experience. Display the lemon butter drizzle in a stylish squeeze bottle for easy drizzling. This interactive and customizable approach adds a playful element to the dining experience and allows everyone to tailor their crab cakes to their individual tastes.

FAQs for Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Can I use canned crab meat instead of lump crab meat?

While fresh lump crab meat is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned crab meat as a more affordable alternative. Just make sure to drain it well before incorporating it into the recipe.

Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crab cake mixture ahead of time and shape the patties. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you are ready to bake them. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. You can try different cheeses like gruyère or fontina, add diced jalapeños for heat, incorporate artichoke hearts for texture, or experiment with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Get creative and make it your own!

How do I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart?

To prevent the crab cakes from falling apart, make sure to chill the patties before baking them. This helps them hold their shape better. Also, avoid flipping them during baking, as this can cause them to break apart. Let the oven do the work to ensure perfectly crispy crab cakes.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating these delectable Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle, remember that cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about making it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch – whether it’s a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky kick or a dollop of lump crabmeat to the lemon butter for an extra indulgent twist. The kitchen is your playground, so have fun with it!

These crab cakes have a special way of bringing people together and turning even the most skeptical seafood eaters into fans. The golden, crispy exterior, the gooey pockets of melted cheddar, and the zesty lemon butter drizzle all come together to create a dish that is sure to impress. So gather your loved ones around the table, savor every bite of these Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle, and create lasting memories with each delicious forkful. Enjoy the process, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy sharing this culinary delight with those you care about. Happy cooking!

Lemon Butter Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

“Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes: A cheesy twist on a classic recipe, topped with a zesty lemon butter drizzle that’s sure to impress any seafood lover.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 crab cakes)

Ingredients

Crab Cakes

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for extra flavor)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Drizzle

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix crab cake ingredients: In a large bowl, delicately mix together lump crab meat, cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix and break up the crab meat.
3. Form and chill the patties: Shape the mixture into even-sized patties using your hands or an ice cream scoop, about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Bake the crab cakes: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown, heated through, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Prepare the lemon butter: Prepare the lemon butter drizzle by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and garlic powder until well combined. Keep warm until serving.
6. Serve: Plate the hot crab cakes and drizzle with warm lemon butter sauce before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.