Fabulous Crab Ball

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Fabulous Crab Ball offers a creamy, savory appetizer with tender crab meat, cream cheese, and a hint of onion, perfect for gatherings and seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 1 large Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 heaping Tbsp. chopped onions
  • Crosse & Blackwell cocktail sauce
  • 6.5 oz. can white crab meat
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Cream softened cream cheese and butter together.
  2. Add chopped onions, ground pepper, and mayonnaise to the mixture.
  3. Rinse the crab meat, drain well, and squeeze out excess water.
  4. Add the crab meat to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
  5. Line a small bowl with Saran Wrap.
  6. Pack the crab mixture into the bowl and cover.
  7. Chill until the mixture is firm before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. You can substitute the crab meat with canned shrimp for a twist or use light cream cheese to reduce calories. Adding a splash of lemon juice enhances the flavor. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. This recipe is similar to Shrimp And Cream Cheese, which offers a delightful variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crab ball with Crosse & Blackwell cocktail sauce for dipping, alongside crackers or vegetable sticks. It pairs beautifully with Potato Salad Stack-Up for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for parties or as an appetizer, and can be complemented with a light salad or chilled white wine for a complete meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crab ball can be reheated gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but it’s best enjoyed cold. If you want to serve it warm, try baking it at a low temperature, but be cautious not to overcook the crab meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fabulous Crab Ball contains roughly 644 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

644 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.5g 19% DV
Total Fat 55.9g 72% DV
Carbs 38.6g 14% DV
Fiber 14.4g 51% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 457.9mg 20% DV
Potassium 817.5mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 56.3mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 166.3mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 290.3mg 22% DV
Iron 6.2mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?

Yes, fresh crab meat can be used and will provide a more delicate flavor. Be sure to cook and cool it before mixing to ensure food safety. Adjust seasoning accordingly, as fresh crab may have a different saltiness than canned varieties.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. However, ensure that the cocktail sauce and any crackers served with it are also labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options, so you can still enjoy this dish without worry.

What can I serve with the crab ball?

The crab ball pairs well with a variety of items. Consider serving it with toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers, or alongside a seafood platter. For a more filling option, try it with a side of Baked Salmon In Microwave for a delightful meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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