Heavenly Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Tucked away in my recipe collection, these cheddar bay crab cakes have become a cherished seafood sensation.

Coastal memories drift through each delicate bite, blending crisp textures with rich maritime flavors.

Delightful ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of succulent crab and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like a special occasion when you serve these golden-crusted delicacies.

maryland’s culinary spirit shines through every perfectly seasoned morsel, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Crisp edges and tender centers invite you to savor each magnificent forkful.

Your kitchen will become a gourmet destination with this irresistible recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Ingredient Breakdown

• Crab Meat: Delicate protein that forms the heart of the crab cakes, fresh jumbo lump or backfin recommended for best texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds richness and tangy flavor, shredded varieties work best.

• Mayonnaise, Egg: Help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle spicy and tangy kick to the mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the crab cakes.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Classic seafood spice blend that provides depth and mild heat.

• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Provides a crispy exterior and extra cheesy flavor.
• Butter: Creates golden brown crust when cooking and adds rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that complement the seafood.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to the butter drizzle.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and flavor profile.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes, Start to Finish

Step 1: Mixing Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, tenderly combine shredded cheddar cheese and crab meat.

• Crushed Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper

Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring the mixture stays light and cohesive.

Carefully form 8-10 compact patties and place them on a clean baking sheet.

Chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to help patties set firmly.

Step 2: Sizzling Golden Perfection

Warm butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place crab cakes into the pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer cooked cakes onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Zesty Butter Finale

• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Honey
• Pinch of salt

Create a smooth, vibrant drizzle.

Just before serving, generously cascade the butter sauce over the warm crab cakes for an extra burst of flavor.

Crab Cake Tips for Golden Cheddar Bay Bites

• Handle the crab meat with care to keep its delicate texture intact, avoiding overmixing which can break down the meat's natural flakiness.
• Refrigerating the crab cakes for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape and prevents falling apart during cooking.
• Use medium heat and butter for a golden-brown exterior that creates a crispy, flavorful crust without burning the delicate crab meat.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to personal preference or omit completely for a milder flavor profile that suits different taste preferences.
• Replace Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Reheat Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual crab cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange crab cakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook crab cakes 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy exterior without burning.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Ideal Accompaniments

Perfectly Pair Zesty Seafood Delight

• Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay with citrus notes that complements the rich crab cakes and enhances the lemon butter drizzle's brightness.
• Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the crab cakes' decadent texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus-Infused White Wine Spritzer: Mix a light white wine with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a sprig of thyme to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Creamy Remoulade Dipping Sauce: Craft a tangy remoulade with mayo, capers, herbs, and a dash of hot sauce to add an extra layer of flavor that elevates the crab cakes' seasoned profile.

Crab Cakes in Cheddar Bay Style

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use a certified gluten-free crab meat and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reduce the honey in the drizzle or use a low-carb sweetener like stevia.
• Spicy Seafood Spin: Increase cayenne pepper amount or add diced jalapeños to the crab cake mixture. Create a spicy aioli using sriracha or hot sauce in the lemon butter drizzle for extra heat.
• Healthier Baking Option: Instead of pan-frying, bake crab cakes in a preheated 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior without excess butter.

FAQs

• How do I know if my crab cakes are fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 145°F. The crab cakes should be firm to the touch and heated completely through.

• Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

While possible, real crab meat provides better flavor and texture. Imitation crab might make the cakes less authentic and potentially soggy.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the crab cakes before cooking?

Yes, chilling helps the crab cakes hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of refrigeration.

• What if my crab mixture seems too wet or loose?

Add a bit more crushed Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix or breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients and create a firmer consistency.

Crab Cakes With Cheddar Bay Biscuit Flavor

Savor Simplicity: A Crab Cake Delight

• Quick Prep Magic: Whip up these crab cakes in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with succulent crab meat, creating a unique twist on traditional seafood recipes that will wow your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Super family-friendly dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with its crispy exterior and rich, cheesy interior that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.
• Versatile Entertaining Star: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for casual meals, these crab cakes work beautifully as appetizers, main courses, or party snacks.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes blend Maryland’s coastal charm with zesty cheese-infused flavors. Rich seafood medley delivers crisp exterior and luxurious interior, promising a memorable culinary experience for seafood enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Seafood Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lump crab meat, picked over for shells

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (or substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying

Lemon Butter Drizzle:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately amalgamate the succulent crab meat with shredded cheddar, pulverized Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, creating a harmonious blend of maritime flavors.
2. Incorporate mayonnaise, whisked egg, Dijon mustard, finely chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, gently folding ingredients to maintain the crab meat’s delicate texture.
3. Tenderly craft the mixture into compact, uniform patties, ensuring they hold together without excessive manipulation.
4. Chill the formed cakes on a parchment-lined tray for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing them to solidify and intensify their structural integrity.
5. Melt butter in a substantial skillet over moderate heat, creating a golden cooking surface for the crab cakes.
6. Carefully place the chilled patties into the skillet, allowing each side to transform into a crisp, amber-hued delicacy, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the perfectly seared crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any residual cooking oils.
8. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, and a whisper of salt to create a vibrant complementary sauce.
9. Lavish the crab cakes with the luminous lemon butter drizzle immediately before presentation, elevating the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Chill the mixture thoroughly to help crab cakes maintain their shape and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best texture and authentic seafood flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper based on personal spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and tasting before finalizing.
• For gluten-free version, replace Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs and add extra cheese for binding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg