North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill Aioli
Mini crab cake sliders packed with lump crab meat and aromatic herbs, topped with a zesty lemon-dill aioli for a fresh twist on a Baltimore classic. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large, beaten egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 6 mini slider buns
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for aioli)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine 12 oz lump crab meat, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 beaten large egg, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until just mixed, being careful to keep crab lumps intact.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 6 small patties about 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help set.
- Step 3: While crab cakes chill, prepare the lemon-dill aioli by whisking together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Assemble sliders by spreading 1 tbsp lemon-dill aioli on the bottom half of each of the 6 mini slider buns, topping with a warm crab cake, and closing with the bun tops. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill Aioli?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lump crab meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill 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 North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill Aioli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 North Baltimore Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon-Dill Aioli?
American seafood 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made these for my family dinner and they devoured every bite. The crab cakes held together beautifully.
- ★★★★★
These sliders were a hit at my weekend picnic! The lemon-dill aioli cut through the richness perfectly.
- ★★★★☆
Delicious overall, but the crab cakes were slightly bland—next time I'll double the Old Bay.