Love hosting gatherings but don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen while your guests are having fun? Let me introduce you to a delicious make-ahead appetizer that will save you time and impress your friends – Mini Crab Cake Freeze. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer, ready to be baked whenever you need them. They’re perfect for parties or even just a cozy night in. Let’s get started!
**Mini Crab Cake Freeze**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage. Be careful not to break up the lumps too much; you want those delicious chunks to shine in your crab cakes.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the crab meat. Mix everything together gently until well combined.
3. Using your hands, shape the crab mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 mini crab cakes from this recipe. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. At this point, you have two options: you can either bake the crab cakes immediately at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, or you can freeze them for later use. If you choose to freeze them, place the baking sheet in the freezer until the crab cakes are firm.
5. Once the crab cakes are frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container for storage. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
6. When you’re ready to enjoy your Mini Crab Cake Freezes, preheat your oven to 375°F. Take out the desired number of crab cakes from the freezer and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops of the crab cakes with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and golden brown on both sides.
8. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce on the side. These Mini Crab Cake Freezes are sure to be a hit with your guests and will have them coming back for more!
Enjoy these delightful appetizers at your next gathering and savor the convenience of having a freezer-friendly dish on hand. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, these Mini Crab Cake Freezes are the perfect solution for busy hosts who still want to impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch, freeze them for later, and enjoy the ease of entertaining with this delicious recipe in your repertoire!
