Crab Dip Cheese Ball: A Delicious Appetizer Recipe for Any Occasion Recipe
This Crab Dip Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and lump crab meat with a zesty blend of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs, it’s rolled in crunchy crushed pecans or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast. Served chilled with crackers or vegetable sticks, this no-cook cheese ball is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Coating and Serving
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (for coating)
- Crackers or vegetable sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Add cheese and crab meat: Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl, then gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully so as not to break up the delicate chunks.
- Mix the flavoring sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. Stir this mixture well until fully blended.
- Combine all ingredients: Pour the mayonnaise mixture into the large bowl with cream cheese and crab. Stir well to evenly incorporate all flavors and ingredients.
- Add fresh herbs: Fold in the finely chopped green onions and parsley to create a fresh and vibrant flavor profile throughout the cheese ball.
- Form and chill: Scoop the mixture from the bowl and shape it into a compact ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up.
- Coat the cheese ball: After chilling, carefully unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the crushed pecans or walnuts, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres evenly around the ball.
- Serve: Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter, optionally garnish as desired, and serve chilled with crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the crab meat is well-drained and checked for any shells to ensure a pleasant texture.
- The cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance to deepen the flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the crushed pecans or walnuts and roll the ball in finely chopped herbs or crushed crackers instead.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice with preservatives.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Keywords: Crab cheese ball, crab dip, appetizer, cheese ball recipe, party appetizer, no cook appetizer
