Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Maryland-inspired sandwich featuring tender crab cakes infused with Old Bay seasoning, grilled to perfection and served on toasted brioche with a zesty aioli. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 40 minutes layers lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz lump crab meat, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Gently fold ingredients until just combined, careful not to break up crab meat.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 2 patties about 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare Old Bay aioli by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add crab cakes and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Toast 2 brioche buns lightly on a grill or skillet.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sandwiches by spreading 2 tbsp of Old Bay aioli on each bun bottom, topping with 1 crab cake, 1 leaf of lettuce, and 2 slices of tomato. Cover with bun tops and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chesapeake Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Aioli?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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