Name: Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle
Ingredients: 1 lb lump crab meat: Provides the core flavor and texture. Lump crab meat is preferred for its tenderness.; 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the cakes together.; 1 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the cakes.; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Introduces a creamy, cheesy element that enhances the crab flavor.; 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.; 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Contributes to the moistness and flavor of the crab cakes.; 1 tsp minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth.; Juice of 1 lemon: For a bit of acidity and freshness.; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A key spice blend that complements seafood perfectly.; Salt and pepper, to taste: To balance the flavors.; 1/4 cup butter: The base for the sauce, providing richness.; 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and tartness to the butter sauce.; 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the butter sauce with a subtle garlic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crab Cakes:

1 lb lump crab meat: Provides the core flavor and texture. Lump crab meat is preferred for its tenderness.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the cakes together.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the cakes.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Introduces a creamy, cheesy element that enhances the crab flavor.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Contributes to the moistness and flavor of the crab cakes.
1 tsp minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth.
Juice of 1 lemon: For a bit of acidity and freshness.
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A key spice blend that complements seafood perfectly.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To balance the flavors.

For the Lemon Butter Drizzle:

1/4 cup butter: The base for the sauce, providing richness.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and tartness to the butter sauce.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the butter sauce with a subtle garlic flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cakes Mixture

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much, as you want to retain the lumps for texture.

Step 2: Shape the Crab Cakes

Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into evenly-sized patties. Each patty should be about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Depending on the size of the patties, you should be able to make 6 to 8 crab cakes.
Place the formed crab cakes on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Crab Cakes

Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to avoid over-baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the crab cakes are baking, prepare the lemon butter drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and garlic powder. Allow the sauce to warm through, then remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve the Crab Cakes

Once the crab cakes are finished baking, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
Drizzle the warm lemon butter over the top of the crab cakes just before serving to enhance the flavors.