Prepare to indulge in a seafood sensation that brings the irresistible flavors of the coast right to your kitchen! These Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are inspired by those beloved cheesy, garlicky biscuits, transforming succulent lump crab meat into golden, savory patties. Baked to perfection and drizzled with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce, they are incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as an elegant appetizer, a delightful lunch, or a light dinner, they’re a true taste of coastal comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

These crab cakes are a personal favorite for their delightful fusion of classic crab cake goodness with that distinct “Cheddar Bay” flavor profile. What I love most is how the shredded cheddar cheese adds a subtle richness and a lovely golden hue to the crab cakes, perfectly complementing the delicate sweetness of the lump crab meat. The Old Bay seasoning, green onions, and parsley ensure every bite is bursting with savory, aromatic flavor.

Baking these crab cakes (rather than frying) makes them healthier and minimizes mess, while still achieving a wonderful golden crust. And that simple lemon butter drizzle? It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint that elevates the entire dish. They feel incredibly gourmet, yet they’re surprisingly straightforward to assemble and bake, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special gatherings.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or pasteurized, picked over for shells)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons, for crab cakes)
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Swaps and Notes

• Lump Crab Meat: Use good quality lump or jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Gently pick through it to remove any shell fragments.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang. You can also use a mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
• Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs help bind the crab cakes. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an even crispier exterior.
• Green Onions & Parsley: These add fresh flavor and color. Fresh is best!
• Mayonnaise: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture. Full-fat mayo provides the best richness.
• Garlic (Crab Cakes): Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory kick.
• Lemon Juice (Crab Cakes): Adds brightness and helps balance the richness.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This is crucial for that classic “Cheddar Bay” flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Lemon Butter Drizzle:
  • Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt.
  • Lemon Juice (Drizzle): Freshly squeezed is vital for a bright, zesty sauce.
  • Garlic Powder (Drizzle): Powdered garlic blends smoothly into the butter, providing flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Extra Spice (Optional Note): As noted in the recipe, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the crab cake mixture adds a nice subtle heat.

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Instructions:

Making these flavorful Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes is straightforward, with quick preparation and baking.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Prepare Crab Cake Mixture: In a big mixing bowl, carefully combine the 1 lb lump crab meat (being gentle to keep the lumps intact), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can break up the crab lumps.
3. Form Patties: Form the mixture into about 8-10 uniform patties (roughly 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake Crab Cakes: Bake the crab cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Make Lemon Butter Drizzle: While the crab cakes are baking, prepare the lemon butter drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Stir well until combined and warmed through. Keep it warm over very low heat or off the heat.
6. Serve: Once the crab cakes are ready, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the lemon butter generously over them before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes!

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Pro Tip:

For the best texture, handle the crab meat as gently as possible when mixing to keep those lumps intact. Also, patting the crab meat dry before mixing can help prevent a soggy crab cake. When baking, ensure the oven is fully preheated and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for best browning. For maximum lemon flavor, consider zesting the lemon before juicing and adding a tiny bit of zest to the lemon butter drizzle.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes are versatile and perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.

• Appetizer: Serve with a side of tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy aioli.
• Light Lunch/Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad (perhaps with a creamy herb dressing like from my Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad & Creamy Herb Sauce) or a side of roasted asparagus.
• Seafood Feast: As part of a larger seafood meal, they complement dishes like my Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta or Lemon Butter Fish.
• Southern Charm: If you enjoy comforting Southern flavors, these fit well alongside a meal that includes other coastal or Southern-inspired dishes, perhaps like my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor (though usually not on the same plate!).

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Crab cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be managed.

• Storage (Cooked): Store any leftover cooked crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Reheating: To regain crispness, reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
• Freezing (Uncooked Patties): You can form the patties, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and flash freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers, for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Lemon Butter: The lemon butter drizzle can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then gently reheated.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the savory, cheesy, and easy nature of these crab cakes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another fantastic seafood and pasta dish, check out Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta.
• If you’re a fan of quick and flavorful fish dishes, don’t miss Lemon Butter Fish.
• For a hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful Southern soup, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
• And for another comforting poultry dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal, consider These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a beloved flavor profile, can create an incredibly delicious and impressive dish. With their perfect balance of savory crab, cheesy richness, and bright lemon zest, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and bring a taste of the coast to your table!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy crab cakes? Share your tips or serving ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.