Crispy Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes (Printable View)

Savory crab cakes with cheddar and classic Old Bay, offering a crisp, golden exterior and flavorful bite.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crab Cake Base

01 - 1 pound lump crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
02 - 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko bread crumbs
03 - 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
10 - Salt to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ For Frying and Garnish

12 - Canola oil or vegetable oil for frying
13 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
14 - Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the lump crab meat, crushed crackers or panko, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, egg, chopped green onions, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined, taking care not to break up the crab meat.
02 - With clean hands, form the mixture into even patties approximately 3 inches across and 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.
03 - Arrange the prepared patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the cakes retain their shape.
04 - In a large skillet, pour in enough oil to create a 1/4-inch layer. Heat over medium until shimmering. Test readiness by dropping in a small piece of mixture; it should sizzle immediately.
05 - Carefully place the chilled crab cakes in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Turn with a slotted spatula for gentle handling.
06 - Transfer cooked crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges as desired.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Chilling the crab cakes before frying helps them maintain their structure and prevents falling apart during cooking.