Description
Succulent crab cake bites elevate appetizer experiences with delicate maryland-style flavors. Crisp golden edges and rich seafood notes invite guests to savor each delightful morsel you’ll eagerly share.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) lump crab meat
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup (240 ml) panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 6 tbsps (90 ml) melted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and white pepper (or black pepper)
- Cooking spray, for pan
Optional Sauce for Serving:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1–2 tsp horseradish
Instructions
- Prepare a mini muffin pan by coating with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Create a crispy base by blending panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into each muffin cup.
- Craft the crab filling by thoroughly combining crab meat, cream cheese, egg, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, smoked paprika, Old Bay, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully distribute the crab mixture over the prepared panko crust, filling each muffin cup evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn golden and the filling sets completely.
- While baking, whisk together a zesty sauce using mayonnaise, chopped chives, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and horseradish for an optional accompaniment.
- Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving the crab cake bites warm, accompanied by the prepared sauce if desired.
Notes
- Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko to make these bites celiac-friendly and ensure everyone can enjoy the appetizer.
- Drain crab meat thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the bites soggy and compromise the crispy texture.
- For a lighter version, replace cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Try different herbs like dill or parsley instead of chives to customize the flavor profile and match personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg