Crispy Golden Cheddar Crab Cakes Recipe with Zesty Lemon Butter

Golden moments often emerge unexpectedly, like these magical cheddar crab cakes dancing with flavor.

Cheese and seafood create an unexpected symphony of textures that surprise palates.

Rich maritime traditions blend seamlessly with sharp dairy notes in this culinary adventure.

Delicate crab meat nestles among creamy golden cheese, promising a sophisticated bite.

Mediterranean influences spark excitement through each carefully crafted morsel.

Coastal inspirations meet kitchen creativity in a recipe designed to impress without overwhelming.

Savor these elegant cakes and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.

Cheddar Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Bring Coastal Flavor Home

• Boost Weeknight Excitement: A gourmet seafood dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special culinary experience with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Customization Power: Swap breadcrumbs with Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for an instant flavor upgrade, giving home cooks creative flexibility without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Elegance: Baked instead of fried, these golden crab cakes deliver restaurant-quality taste while remaining healthier and easier to prepare for all ages.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers sophisticated taste with straightforward ingredients and simple cooking steps.

Cheddar Crab Cakes Ingredient Combo

• Crab Meat: Delicate protein that forms the core of the dish, fresh lump crab is best for rich texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and helps bind the crab cakes together, sharp varieties recommended.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial binder to hold the crab cakes together.
• Breadcrumbs, Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture, panko or homemade breadcrumbs work well.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that contribute bright, aromatic notes to the mixture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that enhances the overall maritime flavor.
• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Provides zesty, bright undertones that complement the seafood.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and elevate the overall taste.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth drizzle sauce that adds luxurious finish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds extra depth to the lemon butter sauce.

Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Warm up your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect golden edges.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Fresh crab meat
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped green onions
• Finely chopped parsley
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold ingredients together until thoroughly blended but not overmixed.

Step 3: Shape the Delectable Patties

Form the mixture into uniform circular patties using your hands.

Press gently to ensure they hold together without compressing too tightly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small spaces between each.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Whip Up the Zesty Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and garlic powder, keeping the sauce warm and ready for drizzling.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove crab cakes from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warm lemon butter sauce.

For extra flair, garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.

Crab Cake Tips for Golden Cheddar Crispiness

• Select high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most delicate and sweet flavor in your crab cakes.
• Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together perfectly during baking.
• Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to add a richer, more intense cheesy profile to your golden crab cakes.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste, or swap with Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick that complements the crab.
• Prepare crab cake mixture up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep.

Crab Cakes Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, place crab cakes on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Gently warm crab cakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they're hot and crisp without burning.

Elegant Pairings for Golden Crab Cakes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright citrus notes that complement the lemon butter and enhance the delicate crab meat flavor.
• Serve with Zesty Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the crab cakes' bright, tangy profile and provide fresh contrast.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Prepare tender roasted asparagus spears seasoned with garlic and sea salt, offering a perfect vegetable accompaniment that balances the rich, cheesy crab cakes.
• Add Creamy Avocado Spread: Prepare a quick avocado mash with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon juice to provide a smooth, cool counterpoint to the warm, golden crab cakes.

Crab Cakes with Butter Lemon Sauce in Other Styles

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and reduce mayonnaise quantity to lower carbohydrate content while keeping the recipe's core flavors intact.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate feta cheese and chopped dill instead of cheddar and parsley for a Mediterranean-style crab cake with tangy Mediterranean profile.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my crab cakes from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before baking. This helps bind the mixture and prevents crumbling during cooking.

• Can I use fresh or canned crab meat?

Both work well. Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor, but good quality canned crab meat is an excellent alternative if fresh is unavailable or expensive.

• What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp or extra sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While Old Bay adds signature flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if you don’t have it on hand.

Golden Cheddar Crab Cakes with Zesty Lemon Butter Drizzle Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden cheddar crab cakes shine with oceanic elegance, delivering maritime flavors that dance across taste buds. Lemon butter drizzle adds bright, tangy whispers, inviting coastal memories to unfold with each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon

Lemon Butter Drizzle:

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

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious mixture of succulent crab meat with sharp cheddar cheese, combining fresh herbs, eggs, and aromatic seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Delicately fold breadcrumbs and mayonnaise into the seafood blend, ensuring uniform incorporation of all ingredients without overmixing.
3. Gently form the mixture into uniform circular patties, compressing them lightly to maintain structural integrity.
4. Position the crafted patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each cake.
5. Transfer the prepared crab cakes into a preheated oven, allowing them to transform into a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the zesty lemon butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan, infusing it with bright lemon juice and subtle garlic undertones.
7. Monitor the crab cakes closely, removing them once they achieve a rich, amber-brown coloration and emit a tantalizing aroma.
8. Create an elegant presentation by generously drizzling the warm, velvety lemon butter over the freshly baked crab cakes moments before serving.
9. For enhanced flavor complexity, consider substituting traditional breadcrumbs with crushed Cheddar Bay biscuit mix.
10. Optimize texture and cohesion by allowing the assembled crab cakes to rest and chill in the refrigerator prior to baking.

Notes

• Chill the mixture before forming patties to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during baking.
• Pat the crab meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy golden edges and preventing soggy crab cakes.
• Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best texture and most authentic seafood flavor in your dish.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs to maintain the crunchy exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg