Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce

Searching for a straightforward and filling seafood dish that rivals that of a restaurant? Tender, savory, and mouthwatering, these Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce are sure to please. This dish, which mixes sweet crab flesh with a buttery, garlicky sauce that is incredibly rich and comforting, is ideal for special dinners, get-togethers, or warm afternoons at home.

Ingredients

1 pound crab legs (fresh or thawed frozen)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of your choice)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use an oven thermometer if needed for accurate heating.

Make the butter sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.

Prepare the crab legs:
Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in a baking dish. Avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking.

Coat with sauce:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the crab legs, turning slightly to coat all sides.

Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce begins to bubble.
(If using large, thick crab legs, you may need an extra 2–3 minutes.)

Serve:
Remove from the oven, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve immediately with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Make (Step-by-Step Summary)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and seasoning.

Lay crab legs in baking dish.

Pour butter sauce over them.

Bake for 12–15 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the butter sauce.

Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the crab legs before baking.

Herb Lovers: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, or basil for a fragrant touch.

Creamy Upgrade: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese into the butter sauce before baking for extra richness.

Garlic-Lemon Boost: Add extra lemon zest and roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Tips

Thaw frozen crab legs fully before baking for even heating.

Use fresh lemon juice—it gives the sauce a bright, clean flavor.

Don’t overbake! Overcooking can make crab meat rubbery.

Line your baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.

Serve immediately while the butter sauce is hot and aromatic.

Conclusion (Short)

Easy, sophisticated, and bursting with buttery sweetness, these Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce deliver restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table. This recipe is likely to please whether it’s served for a family meal or a peaceful evening in. Savor each morsel of succulent crab drenched in the ideal amount of golden garlic butter!