Description
These Crab Cake Bites with Lemon Chive Dipping Sauce are a delightful appetizer featuring tender lump crab meat blended with cream cheese and savory seasonings, then baked to golden perfection. Paired with a tangy lemon chive dipping sauce, they make an irresistible treat perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Cake Bites
- Cooking spray, for pan
- 6 oz. lump crab meat
- 6 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup sour cream, divided
- 2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning, divided
- 2 tsp. lemon juice, divided
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
Lemon Chive Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Remaining chopped chives
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- Remaining Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat with softened cream cheese, lightly beaten egg, half of the sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, half of the Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp of lemon juice, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, half the chopped chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix carefully to maintain the crab’s texture.
- Form the Crab Cake Bites: Shape the mixture into small bite-sized rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together well.
- Coat with Panko and Melted Butter: In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter. Gently coat each crab cake bite with this mixture to add a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Lightly spray a baking sheet or pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated crab cake bites evenly spaced on the surface.
- Bake the Crab Cake Bites: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the crab cake bites for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through, flipping halfway if desired to ensure even browning.
- Make the Lemon Chive Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining sour cream with the leftover chopped chives, 1 tsp lemon juice, and the remaining Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to blend all flavors.
- Serve: Remove the crab cake bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm alongside the lemon chive dipping sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing the crab meat to keep the lumps intact.
- You can substitute lump crab meat with fresh imitation crab if desired, though the flavor will differ.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftover bites can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: crab cake bites, appetizer, seafood appetizer, lemon chive dipping sauce, party snacks, baked crab cakes