Indulge in Crispy Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with a Zesty Lemon Butter Drizzle

Photo byAngie Bright

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle: A Flavorful Coastal Treat

There’s nothing quite like a good crab cake, especially when it’s paired with the perfect blend of cheese, spices, and a rich lemon butter drizzle. If you're craving something that brings the taste of the coast straight to your kitchen, Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes are the answer. These crab cakes aren’t just your ordinary seafood dish — they combine the sweet, tender lump crab meat with the savory sharpness of cheddar cheese and the signature kick of Old Bay seasoning. Topped off with a tangy lemon butter, they become an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

The Art of Flavor

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes elevate the traditional crab cake by introducing cheddar cheese, which brings a creamy, slightly salty richness that balances perfectly with the fresh, delicate crab meat. Old Bay seasoning adds a touch of warmth and spice, while a mix of green onions, parsley, and garlic round out the flavor profile. These crab cakes are baked to perfection, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

What really sets this dish apart is the lemon butter drizzle. The buttery sauce, infused with fresh lemon juice and a hint of garlic, adds a bright, zesty contrast to the savory cakes. This drizzle not only enhances the flavor but also brings a luxurious finish to each bite.

Recipe: Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the lemon butter:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the crab meat to remain in large chunks.
3. Shape the mixture into patties (about 8-10) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the crab cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
5. While the crab cakes are baking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and garlic powder. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
6. Once the crab cakes are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the top before serving.

For a touch of extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab mixture. This gives the dish an extra kick without overpowering the other flavors.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Any Occasion

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special family meal, or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, these crab cakes will not disappoint. The combination of sweet crab, savory cheddar, and tangy lemon butter is a winning trio that will have everyone coming back for more.

Serve these crab cakes with a light side salad or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. And don't forget to have extra lemon butter on hand – your guests will be asking for more to drizzle on their plates!

To get an excellent recipe for making crab cakes at home, check out recipes like the ones for Maryland-style or classic baked crab cakes. These recipes, often using lump crab meat, minimal fillers like breadcrumbs, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning, provide authentic coastal flavors. The inclusion of simple ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, and spices like garlic or Dijon mustard enhances the flavor of the crab without overpowering it. One popular method is baking the crab cakes at 375°F for about 25 minutes until golden brown​Allrecipes​Allrecipes.

For a twist, you can add cheddar cheese to the mix, as with Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes, and finish it off with a tangy lemon butter sauce for an added flavor boost​Allrecipes​Allrecipes. For further inspiration, check out Chef John's Crab Cakes on Allrecipes for another expert take on this seafood classic!