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Cheddar Crab Cakes

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These crab cakes have become my go-to impressive dinner because they take the classic recipe to a whole new level by adding sharp cheddar cheese and this incredible lemon butter drizzle that makes everything even more amazing and what makes them really special is how they get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside plus they only take about twenty five minutes to make which means you can have something that feels really fancy without spending hours in the kitchen and everyone always thinks you went to way more trouble than you actually did to make them.
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Chef Zaho
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:39:44 GMT
Three golden-brown crab cakes are garnished with chopped parsley and drizzled with a creamy sauce on a plate. Pin it
Three golden-brown crab cakes are garnished with chopped parsley and drizzled with a creamy sauce on a plate. | alicesrecipes.com

The Best Cheesy Crab Cakes You'll Ever Make

I've taken classic crab cakes to a whole new level by adding sharp cheddar and a silky lemon butter sauce. These are perfect for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself to something really special. The combination of sweet crab tangy cheese and bright lemon creates pure magic on your plate.

What Makes These Extra Special

The secret is in that Cheddar Bay seasoning blend it adds so much depth to these crab cakes. When those cheesy garlicky flavors meet sweet crab meat something incredible happens. Then that lemony butter sauce brings everything together perfectly.

Your Shopping List

  • • Fresh Lump Crab: 1 pound the star of our show
  • • Sharp Cheddar: 1 cup freshly grated it makes all the difference
  • • Golden Bread Crumbs: 1 cup helps hold everything together
  • • Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup each green onions and parsley chopped fine
  • • Classic Old Bay: 1 teaspoon gives that perfect seafood flavor
  • • Bright Lemon: Juice of 1 whole lemon for freshness
  • • Rich Binders: 2 eggs and ½ cup mayo keep everything moist
  • • Creamy Butter: ½ cup unsalted for our amazing sauce
  • • Savory Garlic: 1 teaspoon minced plus a pinch of powder
  • • Simple Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste
Three golden-brown patties are drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a plate. Pin it
Three golden-brown patties are drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a plate. | alicesrecipes.com

Let's Cook Together

Mix With Love
Gently combine your crab cheese crumbs eggs herbs mayo garlic and seasonings. The key is being gentle you want those crab pieces to stay chunky.
Shape Your Cakes
Form into nice patties not too thick about ½ inch. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes this helps them stay together.
Cook To Golden
You can fry them in a skillet 3-4 minutes each side or bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes flipping once. Both ways work great.
Make That Sauce
Slowly melt your butter add fresh lemon juice garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Whisk until it's silky smooth.

Cooking Options

I love both ways of cooking these. Frying gives you that amazing crispy outside while baking is great when you want something a little lighter. Both turn out delicious.

A close-up of two golden-brown crab cakes drizzled with creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of two golden-brown crab cakes drizzled with creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a plate. | alicesrecipes.com

Perfect Pairings

These are amazing with creamy coleslaw or some garlicky mashed potatoes. I love adding a fresh green salad with citrus dressing too. And don't forget extra lemon butter sauce for dipping.

Making Them Lighter

Want to keep things healthier? Try baking instead of frying use less butter in your sauce or pick a lighter cheese. They'll still taste amazing just a bit lighter.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why refrigerate before cooking?

Chilling helps the crab cakes hold their shape better during cooking and prevents them from falling apart.

→ Can I use imitation crab meat?

Real lump crab meat provides the best flavor and texture, but imitation crab can work if needed.

→ Can I pan-fry instead of bake?

Yes, cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

→ How do I keep the crab cakes from falling apart?

Don't skimp on the binder (eggs and mayo), and chill the formed cakes before cooking.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, form the cakes up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

Cheesy Crab Cakes

Crispy crab cakes loaded with cheddar cheese and topped with warm lemon butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 8 crab cakes)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
02 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
03 1 cup golden breadcrumbs
04 1/4 cup chopped green onions
05 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
06 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
07 Juice of 1 fresh lemon
08 2 eggs
09 1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 1 teaspoon minced garlic
11 Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Lemon Butter Sauce

12 1/2 cup unsalted butter
13 Juice of 1 fresh lemon
14 1 pinch garlic powder
15 Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Gently combine crab meat, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Be careful not to break up the crab pieces too much.

Step 02

Form the mixture into approximately 1/2-inch-thick patties. Place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 03

For frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Step 04

Melt butter over low heat, then whisk in lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 05

Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the hot crab cakes. Serve with optional side dishes such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a citrus-dressed green salad.

Notes

  1. Chilling the patties ensures they hold their shape better during cooking.
  2. Frying provides a crispier exterior, while baking offers a lighter alternative.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Refrigerator for chilling patties

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (crab)
  • Dairy (cheddar cheese and butter)
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15.5 g
  • Protein: 15 g