These jumbo lump crab cake bites make a delightful party appetizer! No utensils needed! People always beg me for this recipe. After you try these, you’ll want to make the full sized version immediately!
Thanksgiving is canceled.
It sounds like a joke but, at least at our home, it’s kind of true. My family has always been very untraditional when it comes to the holiday season. When I was growing up we celebrated a fairly traditional Hanukkah. I was always slightly resentful about the fact that I was one of the few kids in my school not celebrating Christmas. I wanted ornaments instead of dreidels and a Christmas tree instead of the menorah.
Now that we’re all adults, Hanukkah has kind of evolved into a simple gift exchange without any rituals attached. Which is completely fine with me. We do Christmas with Jeff’s family and Thanksgiving with mine. Well, that’s how we normally do it.
This year planning just felt like too much of an ordeal. I’m exhausted. My husband has suffered a minor health crisis and will be having surgery next week. I didn’t feel like cooking and my mom didn’t feel like entertaining. So we scrapped the whole thing and are going out to dinner instead.
And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. If Thanksgiving is about celebrating all that we’re thankful for with our loved ones, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate in a restaurant where someone else does the cooking and the dishes. All we have to do is show up, enjoy one another’s company and relax.
For those of you who are having guests over, I highly recommend serving these jumbo lump crab cake bites as an appetizer. They might not be traditional Thanksgiving fare but they’re very good. I’ve reworked my family crab cake recipe to create this light crowd pleaser. Is your Thanksgiving menu already set for this year? Totally fine. These will also be fabulous at Christmas and New Years events.
Recipe Notes
- You don’t have to use jumbo lump meat; I realize it has gotten outrageously expensive. Regular lump crab will also work. However, I strongly suggest avoiding crab meat sold in a can. See if you can find fresh crab meat sold in containers by the seafood counter at your grocery store. Even better, check your local seafood market if you have one.
- Fines Herbs is a dried spice blend with strong notes of tarragon. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, Amazon sells it, or you can make your own. Search Google for “Fines herbs recipes,” and numerous results will pop up using a mix of dried herbs you might already own.
- Want something a bit more substantial? Check out my Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sliders, which are smaller than the regular crab cakes but definitely not bite sized.
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Bites
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh jumbo lump crab meat (see notes)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup regular mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon fines herbs (see notes)
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- optional: dijon mustard for serving
Instructions
- Set the oven to broil and place the oven rack near the top.
- In a medium sized bowl, gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells. Try not to break up the lumps.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the mayonnaise until well combined.
- Add the breadcrumbs, Old Bay, fines herbs, garlic powder, mustard and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well combined.
- A little bit at a time, gently fold the wet mixture into the crab meat. This part takes some patience because you really want to avoid breaking up the lump meat.
- Using a kitchen scale, weigh out 1 ounce bites and gently shape them with your hands.
- Lightly grease the bottom of a baking sheet (baking spray works well) and place the crab cake bites on the sheet.
- Place a small piece of butter on top of each crab cake bite.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to make sure they don't burn. Allow them to cook on one side the entire time (the lack of filler makes them very delicate). If the tops seem like they're going to burn, lower the oven rack or switch the broiler to a lower setting. You're not cooking the meat but you want the filling to solidify and the egg to cook through.
- When the tops are golden brown, remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool. Place a toothpick in each crab cake bite before serving.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Susan says
I’m so sorry to read about your husband’s impending surgery. I’ve been through a tough period myself lately so I can relate.
I appreciate your philosophy about the holidays. It’s not about the homemade meal, it’s about being together,
Delicious mini crab cakes.
Two Red Bowls says
I love this. Like you said, I feel like it’s staying true to the most pure idea behind Thanksgiving — appreciating loved ones and making happy memories. Not spinning our wheels trying to cook everything, overeating, and wrestling with leftovers, just spending time together. I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s health, and thinking of you. Wish you both the best of luck as he undergoes surgery.
And, by the way, I am a huge fan of crab cakes and this is the first recipe I’ve seen for them in a long time. Thanks for reminding me of my love for them, I’ll have to make these at some point.
Monet says
No, there is nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, I’d much rather take a feast on another night (and do away with battling the crowds at the grocery store). These bites look delicious. Thank you for sharing! I’ll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Carla says
I bet once you realize someone else can cook and clean for Thanksgiving, this will be a new traditional for you ;) I love seafood and don’t put it past me that I’d eat this whole plate as my dinner. Ahem. I’d make these for my crab-loving dad and brother, but they may not get any….
ela@GrayApron says
What a tasty treat! Happy Thanksgiving!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
You’re right there’s nothing wrong with eating out and no freaking dishes to clean or mess to clean up. That in itself is enough reason in my opinion :) Have a great dinner!
Culinary Cory says
Kudos for going out to dinner for Thanksgiving. Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning for a change! :) Happy Thanksgiving.
Joanne says
Whatever works for you, especially if you’re doing it with the people you love, is what is right. Hope you have a lovely day!!
I could see these being a big hit at my family’s Thanksgiving or Christmas. Bookmarked!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Jen, absolutely nothing wrong with dining out on Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy a wonderful stress free Thanksgiving with your family. And, best wishes to your sweet hubby for a speedy recovery!
Alex says
Wow. More than a great recipe, this is true art. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Nutmeg Nanny says
My husband loves crab cakes! I know he will be so happy when I make these for him :)
Chef Girard, the Intimate Chef of DC says
I love this. My favorite recipes involve crab. I just subscribed and won’t miss another recipe! Thanks Savory Simple!
Chef G
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
It doesn’t matter how you celebrate, as long as you’re with your family. Plus, having someone clean up is always nice. These look wonderful. I wish your hubby the best.
Dani H says
I’m planning on doing an hors d’oeuvres only New Year’s party and these are definitely going on the menu! Of course, I’ll need to do at least one trial run before then…. {smile}
Carolyn says
I cannot wait to make these! YUM