By Bring Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the crab cakes:
1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the lemon butter drizzle:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the crab cake mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, egg, mayonnaise, and fresh parsley
Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Form the crab cakes: Shape the mixture into 8 small patties or 4 larger ones, depending on your preference
Place the formed crab cakes on a plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
Sear the crab cakes: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat
Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the crab cakes to the skillet
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the lemon butter drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the lemon juice and let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Drizzle and serve: Plate the crab cakes and drizzle them with the warm lemon butter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 per serving
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
