Crab Cake Sliders Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate combination of coastal flavor and party-food fun, these Crab Cake Sliders absolutely deliver! Juicy, golden crab cakes and soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls come together with a tangy mustard-mayo, making each little bite totally irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of these Crab Cake Sliders is how each simple ingredient stacks serious flavor and texture into every bite. Here’s how each component works its magic in this recipe:

• Panko Crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add unbeatable crunch to the crab cakes while also binding them together.
• Bell Pepper (Red or Orange): Offers a pop of color and gentle sweetness, playing up the fresh seafood vibes.
• Green Onions: Bring just the right zip and a touch of savory depth to the cakes.
• Mayonnaise: Makes everything creamy and helps hold the cakes together.
• Egg: Essential for binding and giving the crab cakes a light, tender texture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: The classic flavor booster for all things seafood—salty, spicy, and signature Maryland taste.
• Dried Oregano & Thyme: Add earthiness and herby complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Because everything’s better with a touch of gentle, savory garlic.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Required for flavor balance—don’t skip these!
• Crab Meat: The star of the show. Flaked, sweet, and delicate—look for high-quality crab for best results.
• Vegetable Oil & Butter: A combination that crisps and browns the patties while keeping them luscious inside.
• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet—these make each bite extra memorable.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Adds tanginess and texture to the creamy sauce.
• Baby Spinach (Optional): For a fresh, green crunch and a pretty pop of color in your sliders.

Variations

One of the best parts about Crab Cake Sliders is how forgiving and flexible the recipe is! You can adjust or swap ingredients to suit what you have or to fit any dietary needs—and every version turns out crowd-pleasingly delicious.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for a 100% celiac-friendly batch of sliders.
• Spicier Sliders: Add a diced jalapeño or a shake of hot sauce to the crab cake mixture for extra kick.
• Brioche Buns: Swap out Hawaiian rolls for mini brioche buns if you prefer an ultra-buttery, rich slider base.
• Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rolls and serve your crab cakes wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb version.

How to Make Crab Cake Sliders

Step 1: Mix the Crab Cake Base

Start by combining one cup of panko crumbs, diced bell pepper, green onions, mayonnaise, egg, Old Bay seasoning, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the crab meat last, mixing just until everything holds together—this keeps the crab pieces tender and intact for the juiciest sliders!

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Crab Cakes

Divide the crab mixture into eight portions and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball in the reserved ½-cup of panko crumbs you set aside at the start. Then, gently flatten them into thick patties. This extra coating is what gives every crab cake its signature crispy, golden bite.

Step 3: Pan Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the oil and butter together in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter foam subsides, add your crab cakes and cook for about three minutes per side, turning once, until both sides become beautifully golden and lightly crisp. Set the finished crab cakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 4: Prep the Slider Buns and Sauce

While the crab cakes drain, preheat your oven to 350˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Carefully slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (as you would a bagel) and lay the bottoms on the prepared baking sheet. Whisk together mayonnaise and whole grain mustard; set a couple spoons aside for brushing the tops later, and slather the rest on the bottom rolls for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Sliders

Arrange the hot crab cakes on the bottom buns, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven, top with a few baby spinach leaves (if using), and gently sandwich with the top buns. Brush the slider tops with the reserved mustard-mayo mixture, and bake for another 8 minutes, until the rolls are golden and super inviting.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the Crab Cake Sliders rest for a few minutes (trust me, the anticipation is totally worth it), then cut into individual sliders and serve right away while everything is irresistibly warm and fresh.

How to Serve Crab Cake Sliders

Garnishes

Bright, herby garnishes like fresh dill, chives, or a squeeze of lemon just before serving add a burst of freshness and make these Crab Cake Sliders look restaurant-worthy. For color and extra crunch, a sprinkle of finely diced red onion or a few pickled jalapeño slices are also fun touches.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crab Cake Sliders with classic coleslaw, kettle-cooked chips, tangy pickled veggies, or a light green salad. If you’re hosting, shoestring fries or sweet potato wedges make it a filling feast, while a big pitcher of lemonade or iced tea keep the coastal vibes going.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your sliders on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves, or serve each one in a parchment square for gourmet street-food style. For parties, spear each slider with a festive pick or tiny crab-shaped toothpick. You can even offer a DIY slider bar with extra condiments and toppings for guests to customize their own creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crab Cake Sliders stay fresh and tasty when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Freezing

The crab cakes (without the buns and sauce) freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before re-crisping, and assemble your sliders fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive leftover sliders or crab cakes, warm them gently in a 300°F oven (covered loosely with foil) for 8–10 minutes. This brings back their crispness without drying them out—just avoid microwaving, which can make the cakes rubbery and the buns chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new party recipe this season, make it Crab Cake Sliders! They’re so much more than a sandwich—they’re a celebration of flavor, comfort, and fun. Your friends and family are going to love every toasty, ocean-kissed bite. Don’t be surprised when there’s not a single crumb left!

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