Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a fancy night out but is actually super easy to make at home, these Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are about to be your new favorite. Imagine crispy golden crab cakes with the savory, cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay biscuits (yes, you heard that right!), topped off with a decadent lemon butter drizzle that adds the perfect tangy finish. They’re indulgent, flavorful, and just the right amount of fancy to impress anyone who’s lucky enough to try them. Trust me, these are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

These crab cakes are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Here’s why you’ll be coming back for seconds:

Restaurant Quality at Home

You’ll feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant, but with the comfort of eating in your own kitchen. These crab cakes taste like something you’d order at a fancy seafood spot, and you’ll be so proud you made them yourself!

Flavorful and Indulgent

The cheddar in these crab cakes gives them that rich, savory flavor, while the crab still shines through. And the lemon butter drizzle? It’s the fresh, zesty pop that ties it all together in the most delicious way.

Quick & Easy

While they might sound fancy, these crab cakes are surprisingly simple to prepare. They don’t take long at all, so you can easily whip them up for dinner or even a special appetizer at your next gathering.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving these for a cozy dinner at home or preparing for a dinner party, these crab cakes are versatile and will be a hit with everyone. Serve them as an appetizer or a main course—either way, they’ll steal the show!

Ingredients

For the Crab Cakes:

• Fresh crab meat: The star ingredient! Fresh, sweet crab meat is what makes these cakes so special. Make sure it’s well-drained and free of any shells.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: This is where the magic happens. The mix gives the crab cakes that savory, cheesy flavor that you love from the famous biscuits.
• Mayonnaise: For a creamy texture that binds everything together without overpowering the crab’s flavor.
• Eggs: To hold the crab cakes together and give them a fluffy, tender texture.
• Green onions: Adds a nice fresh flavor and a pop of color.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: For seasoning that brings out the best in the crab cakes.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a little extra color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

For the Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• Butter: The base of the drizzle that gives it that rich, silky texture.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the perfect tangy kick.
• Garlic: Just a little bit for that extra depth of flavor.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a bit of freshness.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these heavenly crab cakes? Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cakes Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the fresh crab meat, cheddar bay biscuit mix, mayonnaise, eggs, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. You want to keep those tender chunks intact!

Step 2: Form the Crab Cakes

Using your hands, shape the crab mixture into small patties—about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the crab cakes into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crisp on the outside and hot throughout.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Drizzle

While the crab cakes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve

Once your crab cakes are crispy and golden, plate them up and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with a little extra parsley, if you like, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400 calories
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

These crab cakes are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

With a Side Salad

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the crab cakes.

Over Pasta

For a more substantial meal, serve these crab cakes over a bed of linguine or spaghetti. Toss the pasta with some olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or zucchini make a wonderful side to these crab cakes. They add a bit of sweetness and color to your plate.

On a Bun

For a fun twist, you can serve these crab cakes on a bun as a sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a little extra lemon butter drizzle for a seafood burger that’s out of this world.

Additional Tips

Use High-Quality Crab Meat

The crab meat is the star of the dish, so make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality crab meat. If you can get your hands on lump crab meat, it’s perfect for this recipe!

Make the Crab Cakes Ahead

If you’re prepping for a dinner party, you can form the crab cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. This saves time on the day of and helps the flavors come together even more.

Skip the Skillet, Use the Oven

If you prefer, you can bake these crab cakes in the oven. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even cook.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crab cake mixture for a spicy kick.

Double the Batch

These crab cakes freeze beautifully! If you want to make extra, cook the crab cakes, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned crab meat?

A1: Yes, canned crab meat works fine if you can’t find fresh. Just make sure to drain it well and check for any shells.

Q2: Can I make the lemon butter drizzle ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can! Just store the drizzle in the fridge and reheat it gently before serving.

Q3: Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying them?

A3: Absolutely! Bake them at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: Can I freeze the crab cakes?

A4: Yes! After cooking, let the crab cakes cool, then freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready.

Q5: Can I make these crab cakes without cheddar bay biscuit mix?

A5: Yes! You can substitute the cheddar bay biscuit mix with a combination of flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar.

Q6: How do I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart?

A6: The key is to handle the crab mixture gently and avoid overmixing. The eggs and mayo help hold everything together, so don’t be afraid to use them!

Q7: Can I make these crab cakes without the lemon butter drizzle?

A7: Of course! The crab cakes are delicious on their own, but the lemon butter drizzle really adds a special touch.

Q8: Can I add other seafood to the crab cakes?

A8: Yes! Feel free to mix in a little shrimp or scallops for a seafood medley in your crab cakes.

Q9: What can I serve these crab cakes with besides a salad?

A9: You can serve them with rice, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter drizzle.

Q10: How do I store leftover crab cakes?

A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the texture crispy.

Conclusion

These Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are everything you could want in a crab cake: cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside. The lemon butter drizzle ties everything together, making each bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, these crab cakes are sure to impress!

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