Crab Cocktail Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Crab Cocktail Cakes are delicate, flavorful appetizers featuring tender crabmeat, fresh dill, and lemon, perfect for elegant gatherings or casual parties. Served with a tangy sour cream dip.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cooked crabmeat
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 1/4 c. reduced calorie sour cream
  • 1/2 c. chopped onions
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 c. fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 2 tsp. minced fresh dill
  • 1 lemon (for wedges)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, blend crabmeat, egg whites, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup onions, and lemon juice.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch patties.
  3. Combine bread crumbs and dill in a small bowl.
  4. Roll the crab cakes in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Place the crab cakes on a nonstick baking sheet.
  6. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the remaining sour cream and onions to make the dipping sauce.
  8. Serve the crab cakes garnished with lemon wedges, accompanied by the sour cream and onion dip.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the crab mixture. If you don't have fresh dill, dried dill can be used in a pinch; just reduce the amount to one teaspoon. To make the cakes more binding, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Ensure the crabmeat is well-drained to avoid soggy cakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crab cocktail cakes with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. They pair beautifully with the sour cream and onion dip, which adds a creamy contrast. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a side of Shrimp And Rice Dinner or a light pasta.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover crab cocktail cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the cakes rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crab Cocktail Cakes contains roughly 74 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

74 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 11.6g 4% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 113.5mg 5% DV
Potassium 118.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 45.9mg 4% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crabmeat instead of fresh?

Yes, canned crabmeat can be used as a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and check for any shell pieces. Fresh crabmeat typically has a better texture and flavor, but canned can work well for this recipe, especially in a pinch.

How can I make these crab cakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free crab cocktail cakes, substitute the whole wheat bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the sour cream and seasonings, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.

Can I freeze the crab cakes for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked crab cakes. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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