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.
02 -
Form the mixture into approximately 1/2-inch-thick patties. Place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
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.
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.
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.