Are you craving a delicious appetizer or a light yet satisfying meal? Look no further! These baked crab balls are the perfect solution. Forget greasy fried versions; this recipe delivers all the succulent crab flavor with a lighter, healthier twist. They're surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated get-together. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these delightful homemade crab balls!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the crab mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, egg, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crab balls tough.
Shape the crab balls: Using a spoon or your hands (lightly oiled), form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Bake to golden perfection: Brush the crab balls generously with melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve and enjoy: Serve these delicious crab balls immediately. They are fantastic as an appetizer with a cocktail sauce or remoulade, or as a light meal with a side salad.
Tips for the Best Crab Balls:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the crab mixture can result in tough crab balls. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use fresh crab meat: Fresh crab meat makes a significant difference in the flavor of these crab balls.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Some people prefer more Old Bay seasoning, while others might prefer a little more garlic powder.
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or lemon juice to the crab mixture.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the crab ball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the crab mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cream Cheese Crab Balls: Incorporate 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese into the mixture for extra richness and creaminess.
- Cheese Crab Balls: Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per crab ball, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for a single, average-sized crab ball:
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3-5 grams
These baked crab balls are a delicious and relatively healthy alternative to their fried counterparts. They are quick to prepare, easy to bake, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe, perfect for quick dinner ideas or impressive appetizers. Try them today and discover a new family favorite!