Here’s a crowd-pleasing Crab Cheese Balls recipe—crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside 🦀🧀
Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day!
Crab Cheese Balls
Ingredients (20–24 balls)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ½ cup crab meat (real or imitation), finely chopped
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
For Frying
- Oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Mix filling
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, crab, green onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Shape balls
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (helps them hold shape). - Coat
Roll balls in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. - Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Lemon mayo
- Spicy sriracha mayo
Baked Option (Healthier)
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until golden.
Pro Tips
✔ Use cold cream cheese for easier shaping
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
If you want, I can also share a no-fry air-fryer version, a spicy Cajun twist, or a make-ahead freezer method.
