🦀 Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup lump crab meat (drained and flaked)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or wooden spoon.
- Add seasonings: Mix in mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Fold in the crab: Gently fold in crab meat, green onions, and bell peppers until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep some crab chunks intact.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, form into a ball or log shape, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Unwrap and place on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve with assorted crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and impressive: Looks elegant but takes minutes to prepare.
- Rich and creamy texture: Perfectly balanced with the sweet flavor of crab.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight and serve when ready — ideal for parties and holidays.
- Versatile: Serve as a spread, dip, or cracker topping for any occasion.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or canned crab meat — just be sure to remove any shell pieces before mixing.
- Make it spicy: Add more hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Coating option: Roll the chilled ball in chopped pecans, parsley, or crushed crackers for texture.
- Seafood twist: Substitute half the crab with chopped cooked shrimp for a mixed seafood flavor.
- Serve warm: Microwave briefly or bake in a small dish for a creamy, dip-style version.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This crab cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic and refrigerated until serving. Can I freeze the cream cheese ball?
You can freeze it for up to one month, but for best texture, it’s recommended to serve fresh. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. What can I serve with it?
It pairs perfectly with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or celery sticks. It’s also delicious spread on croissants or bagels. Can I use imitation crab?
Absolutely! Imitation crab (surimi) works great and keeps the recipe affordable while still tasting delicious.
❄️ Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
🦀 Final Thoughts
The Devil Crab Cream Cheese Ball is an easy yet impressive appetizer that blends creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors into one irresistible bite. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in, it’s a seafood lover’s dream that’s sure to disappear fast. Serve it chilled or warm, and watch guests come back for seconds!