I feel so at home in my kitchen. The smell of fresh crab and herbs fills the air around me, and it makes me think of all the great times cooking has brought into my life. It’s funny how certain dishes can evoke such vivid memories and emotions. My easy Crab Cake Bites with Homemade Remoulade Sauce recipe is one of them. I love them because they are simple but fancy, and I keep the recipe for them in my recipe box. I even make them for date nights with my husband. That’s how good they are.
Crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or main course that is perfect for special occasions and entertaining Their tender, flaky texture encasing sweet, succulent crab meat makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite. But who has time to cook right before a big event? The good news is you can absolutely make crab cakes ahead of time!
Preparing crab cakes in advance offers multiple benefits. You can tackle the work when your schedule allows, saving you stress and time later on. It also enables flavors to meld resulting in even more scrumptious crab cakes. Follow the tips below to make the most of preparing crab cakes ahead.
Can Crab Cakes Be Made the Day Before?
Making crab cakes the day before your event is an excellent way to get them ready early. Simply form the cakes and refrigerate overnight, covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container. They will hold beautifully in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Leaving time for flavors to develop results in heightened taste and texture.
When ready to cook, remove chilled crab cakes from the refrigerator and proceed as usual, pan frying or baking until heated through and golden. A quick reheat is all they need before serving. Making them the day before means you’ll have one less task when it’s go time!
Freezing Crab Cakes for Even Further Ahead
For maximum make-ahead convenience, you can also freeze formed raw crab cakes. Freeze them on a parchment lined baking sheet until hard, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. They will keep frozen for 2-3 months.
To cook frozen crab cakes, simply bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes from frozen. An oven yields tender interiors and crisp, browned exteriors. You can also pan fry frozen crab cakes in oil for 8-10 minutes per side. Freezing lets you prep crab cakes way in advance for upcoming events.
Mix and Chill Crab Cake Filling Ahead of Time
Another time-saving option is to make the crab cake mixture 1-2 days before forming cakes. Combine all ingredients except for binders like egg and breadcrumbs so the flavors meld. Chill covered overnight. When ready to cook, add binders and form into crab cakes as usual.
Shape Mini Crab Cakes Further in Advance
For bite-sized appetizer crab cakes, you can shape even further ahead since their smaller size allows them to chill and freeze well. Form mini crab cakes up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate until baking. Or freeze miniature crab cakes uncooked for longer storage.
Can Leftover Cooked Crab Cakes Be Refrigerated?
Made too many crab cakes? Leftover cooked crab cakes keep well for 3 days refrigerated. Let them cool fully first, then store airtight. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven before serving again.
Ensure Optimal Texture and Flavor
To achieve the best texture and retain moisture when preparing crab cakes ahead:
- Avoid overmixing the filling; gently fold together
- Chill formed cakes uncovered 30 minutes before covering to set crust
- Use binders like egg and breadcrumbs to help hold shape
- Prevent drying by storing airtightly wrapped or in sealed containers
- Bake or pan fry from refrigerated or frozen; don’t microwave
Ready-to-Go Crab Cakes Are Ideal for Entertaining!
With a little advance preparation, you can have restaurant-quality crab cakes ready in minutes for stress-free hosting.
Imagine being able to simply pull perfect crab cakes from the fridge or freezer when guests arrive. Just reheat, garnish with herbs, lemon wedges, or remoulade sauce, and receive rave reviews!
No need to labor right before a dinner party or scramble to get appetizers on the table. Ready-made crab cakes mean you can spend time with loved ones instead of cooking at the last minute.
Plan an Elegant Crab Cake Dinner Party
Take the ease of make-ahead crab cakes even further by planning a full crab cake dinner. Simply prepare and refrigerate or freeze:
- Crab cakes – Make and shape 1-2 days ahead
- Remoulade sauce – Prepare and chill sauce to serve alongside
- Coleslaw – Shred cabbage etc. and mix dressing 1-2 days before
- Roasted potatoes – Cut potatoes and seasonings in advance
- Key lime pie – Make the pie and refrigerate
When guests arrive, simply finish cooking any components, arrange on platters, and enjoy! sophistication with minimal last minute work.
Crab Cake Brunch Made Easy
For easy morning entertaining, whip up ready-to-go crab cake benedicts.
Pre-cook and chill crab cakes, hollandaise sauce, and even poached eggs (store in water in fridge). When guests arrive, simply:
- Gently reheat crab cakes and eggs
- Crisp crab cakes in a skillet
- Toast English muffins
- Assemble components on each muffin
- Sprinkle with fresh chives!
Having most elements pre-prepped means you’ll have leisurely time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
My Favorite Make-Ahead Crab Cake Recipes
Need trusted recipes for preparing crab cakes in advance? Here are some of my personal favorites:
Easy Baked Crab Cake Bites
- Make mini crab cakes up to 1 day ahead
- Bake from chilled for easy appetizers
Freezer-Ready Crab Cakes
- Shape crab cakes then freeze uncooked
- Bake straight from freezer anytime
Lump Crab Cakes Benedict
- Pre-poach eggs and make hollandaise
- Reheat crab cakes and assemble for brunch
Crab Cakes Are Ideal Make-Ahead Appetizers
With their round shape, crab cakes lend themselves perfectly to make-ahead preparation. Mini crab cakes are the ultimate party appetizer you can prep in advance and bake just before guests arrive.
Making crab cakes ahead saves you last minute cooking when you want to be socializing. Just be sure to adjust any seasonings after reheating, since chilling can mute flavors. Serve garnished with lettuce, lemon slices, or sauce for pretty passed appetizers.
Enjoy Effortless Entertaining
Impress your guests with gourmet crab cakes any night of the week with minimal hassle. Preparing them in advance revolutionizes your abilities to host fabulous dinners and parties.
Imagine the ease of pulling freshly baked crab cakes out of the oven when it’s time to eat – no prep needed beyond tossing a salad and rewarming side dishes.
Arrange expertly seasoned, tender crab cakes on a platter garnished with herbs and lemons for an elegant presentation. Your guests will be astounded by your hosting finesse!
So go ahead and make those crab cakes ahead of time. From intimate family dinners to large-scale special events, ready-made crab cakes mean stress-free meals that let you focus on what matters – spending time with your loved ones.
Bonus Recipe: Homemade Remoulade Sauce
Super flavorful—yet very versatile—remoulade sauce is a perfect accompaniment for so many tasty dishes. I often find myself making a double batch. This sauce always takes a dish from “good” to “unforgettable.” It’s great with hushpuppies at a fish fry or served over my shrimp po-boy sliders recipe. Sign up for my newsletter to get the recipe for my homemade remoulade sauce and other special treats sent straight to your inbox!
Ready when you are! Make-Ahead Crab Cake Bites for Easy Entertaining
Every time I think of Mardi Gras, I picture the streets of New Orleans being alive with music and the delicious smell of fresh seafood and beignets. We can’t always go to New Orleans, so I learned how to make some southern favorites here in Chicago. Crab cake bites are not just delicious, theyre also incredibly convenient for hosting a gathering. This should be your go-to appetizer for a family dinner, a football watch party, or a Mardi Gras party. Even better, you can make them the day before! Just cut the lump crab into bite-sized rounds and store them in the fridge without baking them. When its party time, they’re ready to be baked to perfection. Hassle-free and elegant? It doesnt get much better than that.