Perfect Irresistible Baked Crab Cakes Recipe for Any Occasion

Crispy golden baked crab cakes shine as a delectable coastal treasure waiting to surprise you.

Seafood enthusiasts adore these delicate morsels packed with succulent flavors.

Maryland’s signature dish comes alive through careful seasoning and expert preparation.

Delicate chunks of premium crab meat blend seamlessly with herbs and spices.

Elegant yet simple, these cakes promise a gourmet experience without complex techniques.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Each bite promises a burst of oceanic freshness that will leave you craving more.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let the magic of perfectly baked crab cakes enchant your palate.

Crab Cakes That Impress Without the Fuss

Quick and Easy Meal Magic: Reasons to Love This Crab Cake Recipe

• Minimal Prep Power: Whip up these delicious crab cakes in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a gourmet-style meal without complex techniques.
• Healthier Baking Brilliance: Skip the traditional deep-frying method and enjoy a lighter version by baking these crab cakes, reducing excess oil while maintaining a crispy, golden exterior that delivers maximum flavor with fewer calories.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for multiple occasions like dinner parties, family gatherings, or weeknight meals, these crab cakes appeal to seafood lovers and can be easily customized with different dipping sauces or side dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Seafood Delight: Create restaurant-quality appetizers or main courses using affordable canned crab meat, making this recipe an economical way to enjoy a luxurious seafood experience without breaking the bank.

Baked Crab Cakes Ingredient Guide

• Crab Meat: Fresh protein that forms the core of the dish, best when lump or backfin for superior texture and quality.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright flavor and green color to the mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Essential components that help hold the crab cakes together.
• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy ingredients that provide moisture and tangy flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance overall taste profile.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich flavors.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Olive Oil: Used for light greasing of baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Baked Crab Cakes Party-Ready Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Give it a quick spray of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Mixture

• Fresh crab meat
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Beaten egg
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Aromatic Old Bay seasoning
• Punchy garlic powder
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Bright lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Gently fold these ingredients together.

Be super gentle – you want to keep those crab chunks intact and beautiful.

Step 3: Shape Your Seafood Treasures

Use your hands to craft 8-10 perfectly formed crab cakes.

Arrange them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, giving each cake some breathing room.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Let the crab cakes bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

For extra crispiness, switch to broil for a quick 1-2 minute finish.

Step 5: Whip Up a Tantalizing Sauce

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Optional hot sauce for kick

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull those beautiful crab cakes from the oven.

Plate them up with your zesty sauce on the side.

Time to dive in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Crab Cakes – Oven-Baked Tricks

• Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat and gently mix ingredients to preserve the meat's delicate texture without breaking it apart.
• Pat crab cakes dry before forming to ensure a perfectly crisp golden-brown outside when baking.
• Add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too wet, helping crab cakes hold their shape during cooking.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or dill to add depth and brightness to the crab cake mixture.

Keep Crab Cakes Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality and flavor.
• Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve texture and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place crab cakes on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy, preventing sogginess.
• Gently pan-fry refrigerated crab cakes in a little olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, restoring their original crispiness and maintaining moisture.

Light Bites for Baked Crab Cakes

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate crab meat, cutting through the richness with bright, zesty notes that enhance the seafood's subtle flavors.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a peppery kick that balances the crab cakes' creamy texture and provides a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Slaw: Prepare a quick coleslaw with orange and lemon zest, bringing a refreshing crunch that highlights the crab's sweetness and adds vibrant color to the plate.
• Serve Alongside Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Prepare herb-seasoned potato wedges that provide a satisfying crunch and hearty complement to the delicate crab cakes, creating a well-rounded meal with textural variety.

Baked Crab Cakes Recipe Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Crab Cakes: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground almonds to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use egg substitute like flax eggs and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or mashed avocado.
• Seafood Alternative: Substitute crab meat with cooked and shredded chicken or plant-based crab alternatives for different dietary preferences.

FAQs

• Are crab cakes difficult to make at home?

Absolutely not! This recipe is straightforward and requires simple ingredients. Anyone with basic cooking skills can create delicious crab cakes in just a few easy steps.

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

Use fresh lump crab meat and gently mix ingredients without overworking the mixture. Chilling the formed cakes for 15-30 minutes before baking helps them hold together better.

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

Lump or jumbo lump crab meat are ideal. These varieties have larger, more intact pieces of crab that create a better texture and flavor in the crab cakes.

• Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crab cakes and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help them hold their shape better during cooking.

Irresistible Baked Crab Cakes Perfect for Any Occasion Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Maryland Crab Cakes bring coastal charm to your dinner table with a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful center. Packed with fresh lump crab meat and subtle seasonings, these delectable treats invite you to savor the essence of seafood cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells

Binders and Breadcrumbs:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arranging a parchment-lined baking sheet with a light olive oil coating.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately blend lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, ensuring minimal disruption to the meat’s delicate texture.
3. Incorporate eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper into the seafood mixture.
4. Tenderly shape the maritime blend into compact medallions, approximately 8-10 uniform crab cakes, positioning them strategically on the prepared baking surface.
5. Transfer the assembled crab cakes into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden, crispy delicacies over 15-20 minutes.
6. For enhanced crispness, activate the broiler during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
7. Simultaneously craft a zesty accompaniment by whisking mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, a splash of lemon juice, and optional hot sauce for complexity.
8. Garnish the complementary sauce with freshly chopped parsley to elevate visual appeal and flavor profile.
9. Extract the beautifully bronzed crab cakes from the oven and present immediately alongside the vibrant dipping sauce, ready to delight discerning palates.

Notes

• Handle crab meat delicately to preserve its tender texture and prevent breaking apart the delicate protein strands during mixing.
• Refrigerate crab cake mixture for 30 minutes before forming to help them hold shape better and enhance flavor binding.
• Use fresh lump crab meat for maximum flavor and avoid overmixing ingredients to maintain chunky, authentic seafood texture.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac or low-carb dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg