Irresistible Baked Crab Cakes

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s savory, delicious, and incredibly easy to make, then crab cakes should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a dinner party, a main dish for a family meal, or even as a light and flavorful lunch, baked crab cakes are a versatile option that never fails to impress.

These crab cakes are packed with fresh lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned with Old Bay, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley, then baked until golden and crispy. Unlike deep-fried versions, these oven-baked crab cakes offer a healthier alternative while still delivering that irresistible crunchy exterior and tender, flaky interior.

If you love seafood, this crab cakes recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Not only is it gluten-free and nutritious, but it’s also simple to prepare, requiring only 35 minutes from start to finish. With a homemade dipping sauce that enhances every bite, these crab cakes are truly restaurant-quality, made right at home.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best crab cakes – from choosing the best crab meat to expert baking tips, side dish pairings, and storage recommendations. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Crab Cakes Recipe

1. Easy to Make and Quick to Bake

This crab cakes recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking. No complicated techniques—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

2. Healthier Alternative to Fried Crab Cakes

By baking instead of frying, you get all the crispiness and flavor without excessive oil. These crab cakes are lower in calories and fat while still maintaining a crunchy exterior and tender, flaky center.

3. Packed with Flavor

Each bite of these baked crab cakes is bursting with savory seasonings, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of spice from Old Bay seasoning. The homemade dipping sauce adds even more depth, making them irresistible.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a dinner party, date night, or a casual family meal, these crab cakes fit the occasion. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even on a sandwich for a gourmet crab cake burger.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

• Add extra spice with a dash of cayenne pepper or more hot sauce.
• Swap out panko breadcrumbs for almond flour to make it keto-friendly.
• Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist.

6. Freezer-Friendly and Great for Meal Prep

Make a batch and freeze them for later! These crab cakes store well, making them a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crab Cakes:

• 1 lb fresh lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring you don’t break up the crab meat too much.

Step 3: Form the Crab Cakes

1. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 8–10 small crab cakes.
2. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cake.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
2. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. While the crab cakes are baking, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the crab cakes from the oven.
2. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these baked crab cakes with delicious sides to make a complete meal:

• Coleslaw – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Garlic Butter Asparagus – Light and flavorful.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A sweet and savory pairing.
• Caesar Salad – A refreshing side dish.
• Corn on the Cob – Classic seafood companion.

Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store Crab Cakes

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each crab cake individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Crab Cakes

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Lightly pan-sear until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

These Irresistible Baked Crab Cakes are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. Plus, they’re healthier, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.

Try this crab cakes recipe today and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to pin and share for later!

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