14 Maryland Crab Cakes Recipes

I still remember the salty breeze off the Chesapeake Bay during family vacations to Maryland when I was a kid. My grandfather, a lifelong waterman, would fire up the grill with fresh blue crabs he’d caught that morning, turning them into the most incredible crab cakes—golden, crispy outside, and bursting with sweet lump crab meat inside. Those bites were pure magic, evoking summer sunsets and stories swapped over picnic tables. It’s those memories that fuel my passion for recreating authentic Maryland crab cakes today.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my home kitchen, tweaking the classic recipe with modern twists like air-frying for healthier versions or adding global spices for fun fusions. In a world craving comfort food with a coastal vibe, Maryland crab cakes stand out—not just for their simplicity (minimal binders to let the crab shine) but for their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or weeknight dinner, these recipes prove why they’re an East Coast icon.

Classic Maryland Crab Cakes

Maryland crab cakes are all about letting premium lump crab meat take center stage with minimal fillers. Ingredients (makes 6 cakes): 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking crab lumps, form patties, chill 30 minutes, then pan-fry in butter 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
These deliver authentic Chesapeake flavor—sweet, briny crab with a crisp exterior—while being quick (under 30 minutes active time) and naturally gluten-light for a guilt-free indulgence.

Old Bay Infused Crab Cakes

Amp up the spice with extra Old Bay for that signature Maryland kick. Ingredients (makes 8): 1 lb crab meat, 1/3 cup mayo, 2 tsp Old Bay (plus more for dusting), 1 tbsp mustard, 1 egg, 2 tbsp panko, fresh parsley. Combine, shape into cakes, refrigerate, and broil 5-6 minutes per side.
Perfect for spice lovers, these boost metabolism with Old Bay’s peppers and offer heart-healthy omega-3s from crab, ready in 20 minutes for game-day snacking.

Jumbo Lump Luxury Crab Cakes

Celebrate premium crab with oversized jumbo lumps for a luxurious bite. Ingredients (makes 4 large): 1.5 lbs jumbo lump crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp crushed saltines, lemon zest. Fold together lightly, form thick patties, sauté in oil 4 minutes per side.
The large lumps provide superior texture and protein (20g per cake), ideal for special dinners, emphasizing crab purity without overwhelming prep.

Broiled Lemon Herb Crab Cakes

A lighter bake using fresh herbs and lemon for brightness. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, dill and chives. Mix, broil on high 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
Healthier than frying (baked, low-cal at 200 per cake), herbs add antioxidants, making this oven-friendly option fresh and zesty for summer meals.

Spicy Sriracha Maryland Crab Cakes

Fuse heat with Asian flair in this kicked-up version. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab meat, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 3 tbsp panko, green onions. Form patties, chill, fry 3 minutes per side.
Sriracha adds capsaicin for a metabolism boost alongside crab’s lean protein, delivering bold flavor variety that’s still true to Maryland roots.

Corn and Crab Cakes

Sweet summer corn complements crab’s brininess perfectly. Ingredients (makes 8): 1 lb crab, 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup cornmeal. Mix, pan-fry 4 minutes per side.
Corn adds fiber and natural sweetness, creating budget-friendly, veggie-packed cakes (great for kids) with enhanced juiciness and crunch.

Cheesy Maryland Crab Cakes

Melted cheddar inside for gooey decadence. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Stuff cheese in centers, fry gently 3-4 minutes per side.
Calcium-rich cheese elevates comfort, pairing with crab’s richness for party-pleasing apps—easy to customize heat levels.

Gluten-Free Old Bay Crab Cakes

Almond flour keeps it grain-free without sacrificing crispiness. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, mustard. Mix, bake at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Ideal for dietary needs, almond flour cuts carbs while retaining flavor; baked version slashes fat for everyday health.

Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cakes

Crispy results without oil splatter. Ingredients (makes 8): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/3 cup panko. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, spritzing oil.
Low-fat (half the calories of fried), quick cleanup, and even cooking make this modern twist accessible for busy weeknights.

Mini Crab Cake Sliders

Bite-sized for appetizers or sliders. Ingredients (makes 12 minis): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Form small patties, bake 10 minutes at 375°F. Serve on buns with slaw.
Portion-controlled fun boosts party appeal, with high protein for satisfying hors d’oeuvres—prep ahead and freeze.

Smoked Paprika Crab Cakes

Earthy smoke elevates the classic. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp smoked paprika + Old Bay, 1 egg, 2 tbsp crushed crackers. Pan-sear 3 minutes per side.
Paprika’s antioxidants add depth and color; subtle smoke mimics grilling for indoor flavor without a pit.

Tropical Pineapple Crab Cakes

Pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-Maryland mashup. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/2 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, 1/4 cup coconut flakes. Fry 4 minutes per side.
Pineapple’s enzymes aid digestion, vitamin C boosts immunity—refreshing twist for luau vibes or hot days.

Roasted Red Pepper Crab Cakes

Roasted peppers add smoky sweetness. Ingredients (makes 6): 1 lb crab, 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1 egg, breadcrumbs. Bake or fry.
Peppers pack vitamins A and C for eye health; vibrant color and flavor make these visually stunning mains.

Deviled Egg Crab Cakes

Inspired by deviled eggs for creamy tang. Ingredients (makes 8): 1 lb crab, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tsp mustard + Old Bay, 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped), 1 raw egg, panko. Chill and fry.
Eggs double protein; nostalgic combo is picnic-perfect, easy to scale for crowds.

These 14 Maryland crab cakes recipes capture the essence of Chesapeake bounty with endless twists to suit any mood or diet. Grab some fresh lump crab, channel that coastal spirit, and whip up a batch today—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!