Irresistible Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

The aroma of freshly baked Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these crab cakes promise a delightful explosion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe.

Remember that one summer barbecue when you tried to impress your friends with your culinary prowess? Picture this: laughter, sunshine, and mouthwatering crab cakes sizzling on the grill. This recipe brings back those cherished memories while elevating your dining experience today.

Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Lump Crab Meat: Look for high-quality crab meat; it should be sweet and delicate without any shell fragments.
• Cornmeal: This adds a lovely crunch to the cake; choose fine cornmeal for better texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with crab.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a binder; opt for a creamy variety to keep the crab cakes moist.
• Green Onions: Chopped finely, they add freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the crab.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors in both the crab cakes and drizzle.

For the Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for a rich sauce; melting it slowly gives depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds aromatic goodness; fresh is best for maximum flavor impact.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley not only garnishes but also adds bright color and flavor to your drizzle.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Crab Cake Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine fresh lump crab meat, cornmeal, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, and lemon juice. Use your hands or a spatula—just be careful not to break up the crab too much!

Step 3: Form the Crab Cakes

Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties about one inch thick. You should get around ten cakes depending on how big you make them.

Step 4: Bake The Crab Cakes

Place the formed patties onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush each cake lightly with olive oil or melted butter before baking. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Prepare The Lemon Butter Drizzle

While your crab cakes are baking, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant (about one minute), then mix in fresh parsley and lemon juice.

Step 6: Serve With Style

Once the crab cakes are done baking, transfer them to plates and generously drizzle with the lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately while they’re still warm!

Now grab your forks and dig into these delectable Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes! Trust me; every bite will remind you why you fell in love with seafood dishes in the first place!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your crab cake ingredients while preheating your skillet. Form the cakes and chill them briefly before searing to ensure a golden crust. Finish cooking in the oven for that perfect texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the crab for shrimp or even use plant-based seafood alternatives. Add spices like Old Bay seasoning or fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile and make it your own.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about five minutes on each side to maintain their crispiness.

I remember the first time I made Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes for a gathering; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! It was such a joy to see everyone enjoying something I created from scratch. For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp Scampi Recipe recipe.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle?

To make Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle, you will need lump crab meat, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, green onions, and spices like Old Bay seasoning. For the drizzle, use unsalted butter, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic. Garlic butter shrimp scampi These ingredients create deliciously rich cakes that are perfect for any occasion. Lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders Be sure to check the freshness of your crab meat for the best flavor.

Can I substitute the crab meat in this recipe?

Yes, if crab meat is not available or you’re looking for alternatives, you can use cooked shrimp or even plant-based seafood products designed to mimic crab. Just ensure they are seasoned well to enhance the flavors in Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle. Adjust cooking times accordingly if using different seafood options to maintain texture.

How can I store leftover Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes?

To store leftover Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat them in an oven or skillet to ensure they remain crispy on the outside while warming through.

What can I serve with Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes?

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a light meal. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a simple pasta dish tossed in olive oil and herbs. These sides complement the rich flavors of the crab cakes beautifully and create a well-rounded dining experience.

Conclusion for Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle:

In summary, Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them an excellent choice for any gathering. Utilizing fresh ingredients like lump crab meat and cheddar cheese ensures each bite is packed with taste. Crab Rangoon Nachos for a crowd The zesty lemon butter drizzle elevates these cakes further, making them irresistible. Whether as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to impress your guests!

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Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

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Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are a seafood lover’s delight, combining fresh lump crab meat and sharp cheddar cheese into crispy, tender cakes. Topped with a zesty lemon butter drizzle, these crab cakes are perfect for any gathering—whether as a mouthwatering appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Easy to prepare, they promise an explosion of flavor with every bite, transporting you straight to coastal cuisine bliss.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix crab meat, cornmeal, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, and lemon juice without breaking the crab too much.
3. Shape the mixture into patties about one inch thick (approximately ten cakes).
4. Place patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. For the drizzle, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in garlic until fragrant (about one minute), then add parsley and lemon juice.
6. Serve warm crab cakes drizzled with lemon butter sauce.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Coastal

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cake (70g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Chill the mixture before shaping for better texture. Substitute crab with shrimp or plant-based alternatives if desired. Enhance flavors by adding spices like Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick.