Craving the famous Crispy Crab Bites from The Cheesecake Factory? You don’t have to leave the house to enjoy this crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned appetizer. These Crispy Crab Bites (Cheesecake Factory Copycat) are made with lump crab meat, a flavorful blend of seasonings, and a light, crunchy coating that’s irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious snack, this recipe is quick to prepare and packs tons of flavor. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for the ultimate bite!
INGREDIENTS :
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cocktail or tartar sauce (for dipping)
How to Make Crispy Crab Bites (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
INSTRUCTIONS :
- Prepare the crab mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Form the crab bites: Using your hands, form the crab mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together.
- Dredge the crab bites: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dip each crab bite into the flour, rolling it to coat evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg and coat it in flour again for a double dredge.
- Fry the crab bites: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully add the crab bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the crab bites from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve: Garnish the crispy crab bites with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
NOTES :
- Make ahead: You can prepare the crab mixture and form the crab bites a day ahead. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry.
- Baked version: For a healthier option, you can bake these crab bites at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Substitute crab meat: If lump crab meat is too expensive, you can use imitation crab or even shrimp for a different twist.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little extra heat.
NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion :
These Crispy Crab Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers all the flavor of The Cheesecake Factory’s famous dish right in your own kitchen. With a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful crab filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate snack experience!
