Transform the classic seafood delight into adorable bite-sized treats with these crab cake bites. In just a little over 30 minutes, you’ll have the fanciest appetizers perfect for your Christmas dinner or New Year’s bash. Paired with a simple sour cream, chive, and Old Bay dipping sauce, these bites are irresistible. Tip: Double the recipe for a large crowd because these bites will disappear in a flash!
You can serve these crab cake bites warm or at room temperature depending on your preference. If you want to switch up the dipping sauce, our homemade tartar sauce is always a hit.
Crab Cake Bites
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for greasing the pan
- 6 ounces lump crab meat
- 6 ounces 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 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning divided
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, beaten egg, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 cup sour cream, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and about 1 tablespoon of chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and melted butter. Divide this mixture between the muffin pan cups, pressing it around the edges to form a crust. Spoon the crab mixture evenly into each cup.
- Bake until the edges turn golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While the crab cake bites are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine 1/2 cup sour cream, the remaining chopped chives, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and the remaining Old Bay seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Serve the crab cake bites warm or at room temperature with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every flavorful bite!