Maryland Crab Cake Recipe

Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Barbara

Growing up in the heart of Washington D.C., seafood wasn’t just a meal, it was a way of life. My childhood memories are scented with the spiced steam of Maryland Blue Crabs and the sound of wooden mallets hitting newspaper covered tables. Watching my parents steam live crabs was our sacred summertime ritual, a labor of love that ended with us picking every last bit of juicy meat straight from the shell. From Maryland Blue Crabs, to lobster, shrimp or fish, every time I enjoy a good seafood meal, it takes me back to my childhood home.

Now that I’m living on the opposite coast, those humid D.C. summers feel a world away, but I have found a way to bring that mid-Atlantic magic into my kitchen. My Maryland Crab Cakes are the ultimate taste of home. This isn’t your average restaurant appetizer filled with breadcrumbs and mystery bits; this is a soulful, high-standard classic made with sweet lump crab meat and just enough filler to hold it all together.

I have refined this recipe to ensure that the crab is the star of every single bite. It’s a simple, elegant way to honor my roots while serving up something truly special. If you’re looking for an authentic, easy-to-follow guide to the perfect crab cake, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to the good stuff.

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

Watch Me Make These Wonderful Maryland Crab Cakes (Video Tutorial)

How to Make Maryland Crab Cakes

If you are looking for the best Maryland Crab Cake recipe then look no further. What are Maryland Crab Cakes? Maryland Crab Cakes are a Maryland staple dish that is a decadent cake full of lump crab meat made from delicious Maryland Blue Crabs. There are a few key steps to making the perfect crab cake. The first step is to use Lump crab meat. Lump crab meat yields a crab cake that is meaty and delicious. The second step is to use Saltine crackers instead of bread crumbs. By using Saltine crackers, your crab cakes will have rich flavor and the texture will be lighter and flakier. The third step is to refrigerate your mixture of ingredients for one hour before baking. This will allow your flavors to mingle yielding a better tasting cake. Lastly, after forming your cakes top with butter and place them in the oven set on 450 degrees Fahrenheit. These steps will allow your crab cakes to be crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients for Maryland Crab Cake Recipe

Jumbo Lump Crab Meat – The main ingredient; delicate, and flaky with a rich seafood flavor.
Saltine Crackers – Serves as the perfect binder for our cakes without overpowering the crab’s flavor.
Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the crab cakes.
Egg – Also serves as a binder to hold the crab cake mixture together.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender texture.
Dijon Mustard – Gives a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances the savory umami notes in the crab cakes.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
Old Bay Seasoning – A classic Maryland spice blend that adds a signature flavor and a hint of spice.
Salt – Enhances all the ingredients and balances the flavors.
Fresh Parsley – Adds color and a mild, fresh herbal note.

Substitutions

Maryland Crab cakes are known for being full of delicious crab meat with very little filler. Lump crab meat is usually used but if you don’t have lump crab meat claw crab meat will do.

Saltine crackers are the binder of choice but panko bread crumbs are a good substitution.

What You Will Need

• Small Bowls
• Mixing Bowls
• Cooking Utensils

Step by Step Instructions for Crab Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Making the Binder for the Crab Cakes

Place the saltine crackers in a food processor and pulse them until they become light crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor it’s ok. Just place your crackers in a sealable bag and using the smooth end of a meat mallet (or if you have the wooden mallet you use to crack crabs, that will work too) and gently crack the crackers just until they reach a medium crumb consistency. Using saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs will make for a more flavorful crab cake.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mayo, mustard, egg, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a harmonious medley of flavors.

Gently fold the lump crabmeat and the prepared cracker crumbs into the flavorful mixture. Ensure the crab meat is coated evenly, being cautious not to break down the lumps of crab.

Step 4: Chill in the Refrigerator

Chill and Set: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for one hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, ensuring the crab cakes hold their shape during cooking.

Step 5: Forming the Patties

After the refrigeration period, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and form the crab mixture into patties. Place them on a baking dish lined with parchment paper or one that is lightly greased.

Step 6: Baking the Crab Cakes

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and let the crab cakes bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy exterior.

After their time in the oven, remove the crab cakes and let them rest for a moment. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve these delectable creations while they’re still warm, allowing your taste buds to revel in the delicate flavors and textures.

What to Eat With Your Maryland Crab Cakes

When it comes to what pairs well with these crab cakes, the options are limitless. Depending on what your palate desires, you can have a number of things to chose from. Here are a few ideas you may like:

• French Fries: Nothing wrong with a classic! Hot, crispy fries are always a crowd pleaser.
• Corn on the Cob: If it’s in season, sweet summer corn on the cob is the perfect pairing.
• Hush Puppies: A little Southern twist to go with your Maryland staple.
• Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds a cool, crunchy element that cuts through the richness of the crab cakes.

Vegetable-Focused Sides:

• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini – all delicious with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Salad: A salad is always a great choice to balance the meal. You can chose from a green leafy salad, cucumber salad or black bean salad to name a few.
• Grilled Corn Salad: A fresh, summery take on corn with peppers, herbs, and a touch of lime.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A touch of garlic and lemon brightens up these healthy greens.

Other Fun Options:

• Potato Salad: Creamy or mustard based, a satisfying addition.
• Remoulade Sauce: This classic sauce is tangy and delicious on the crab cakes.
• Tartar Sauce: Another classic seafood sauce that goes perfectly with crab cakes.
• Mac and Cheese: A little bit of indulgence never hurt anyone!

How to Store Leftover Crab Cakes

Leftover crab cakes can be refrigerated to eat later. Simply individually wrap each crab cake with plastic wrap then place them in an airtight container. This will prevent the cakes from becoming too dry. Crab cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.

When freezing the crab cakes, you have two options. You can freeze the leftover cakes by first flash freezing (Placing the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze for about an hour until solid) then wrapping then with plastic wrap then placing them in an airtight freezer container or bag. These cakes can be stored in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.

Your second option is to freeze the crab cakes before you cook them. Uncooked crab cakes are stored the same way as cooked crab cakes. Simply form your cakes as usual then follow the steps for freezing cooked crab cakes.

To thaw, place the frozen cakes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the crab cakes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Important Tips

• Use fresh crab meat when possible: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high quality crab meat.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooked crab cakes will be dry and tough.
• Store promptly: Refrigerate or freeze crab cakes as soon as possible to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Don’t refreeze thawed crab cakes: Refreezing can compromise the taste and texture.

Maryland Crab cakes are The BEST Crab Cakes around. My family loves them as a delightful appetizer or a main course. These homemade crab cakes are a testament to the art of crafting exquisite flavors from simple yet premium ingredients.

Try These Great Recipes

• Shrimp Cakes
• Seafood Mac and Cheese
• Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
• Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Soul Food Cooking 101 — Classic Soul Food Recipes: Preserving the Legacy of Authentic Southern Cooking.

Join the SFC Family and Sign up for updates and recipes sent directly to your inbox!

Follow the journey on YouTube.

Step 1: Preheating the Oven