As the holidays approach, today I’m sharing my much loved Two-Ingredient Crab Ball appetizer.
![Two-Ingredient Crab Ball Appetizer. Perfect for any celebration. Christmas, New Year's, Super Bowl, summer picnic, seafood fest ... you name it! Naturally gluten free. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Crab-Ball-054.jpg "Two-Ingredient Crab Ball Appetizer. Perfect for any celebration. Christmas, New Year's, Super Bowl, summer picnic, seafood fest ... you name it! Naturally gluten free. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]")
Two words—Crab Ball. And really just two ingredients. Could it get any simpler than that?
This appetizer goes perfectly with a festive beverage and honestly, it will have your guests thinking you are a culinary genius. They’ll spread some of your crab ball on a cracker, wax poetic about how delicious it is, and then quiz you on the ingredients.
They’ll expect a long list and when you confess to them that it’s just equal parts of two simple ingredients, one of them being crab meat, they’ll think you are holding out on them. Seriously.
No matter. Make a crab ball and serve it with complementary crackers (as in crackers with flavors and textures that taste wonderful with the ingredients in the crab ball) and you’ll be the star host. Now for the festive beverage part, which means cocktail to me, hand your guest a glass of Reindeer Antlers “spiked” holiday punch to enjoy with the crab ball and suddenly you’re not just the star host, but a rock star caliber host.
No kidding. You’re welcome. Don’t bother with mailing my invitation for your holiday open house … just shoot me an email with the time and the date. I’ll be there to witness and share in your elevation to greatness!
While any serving dish will work, I often serve my crab ball in a special crab dish as you can see, so that guests are instantly aware that crab is involved. We have had guests who are allergic to shellfish, so it’s nice to keep these folks safe with that visual cue.
Before going gluten free, my favorite cracker to serve with crab ball were Keebler Townhouse crackers. Elves made them so they seemed especially appropriate for the holidays. Sadly, they’re gluten full. Still. Unfortunately, these elves have not expanded their Townhouse line of crackers to include a gluten-free version. (I’ll keep waiting on that.)
My current favorite gluten-free crackers to eat with crab ball are Blue Diamond hazelnut or pecan crackers. Or Hint of Sea Salt flavor. They have a lot of stronger flavors (fine for many purposes but not this Crab Ball) and these don’t have a buttery texture like Townhouse crackers (quite the opposite actually), but their flavors do complement the Crab Ball texture really well.
For large parties, I mix together one pound of crab meat and one pound of cream cheese (that’s two “bricks”) and then divide into two crab balls, one of which I keep in the refrigerator.
I stay vigilant for that moment when the first crab ball is fast disappearing and guests are getting that panicky look on their faces … anxious that the person standing next to them might get the last bite (a stampede for that last bite seems to be a real possibility).
Not to worry. With my hostess finesse, I slip through the mass of guests around the last dollop of crab ball and quietly place the second crab ball onto the serving dish. Ah, love and peace reign once again.
More Gluten-Free Crab Recipes
~ Crab Claws Punch, The Perfect Summer Cocktail
~ Crab Salad with Old Bay Seasoning
~ Perfect Gluten-Free Crab Cakes (with Old Bay Seasoning) (this recipe can be made as a quick casserole if you’re pressed for time—directions in post)
~ Special Sauce for Dipping Stone Crab Claws (and Other Seafood)
Two-Ingredient Crab Ball Appetizer Recipe
Crab lovers will stand in line for this two-ingredient, oh-so-delicious appetizer! As I’ve shared before (regarding another gfe crab recipe, Susie's Crab Casserole), I never buy the most expensive crab meat from the local seafood dealer. So, there’s always a small amount of shell and cartilage to be removed. It’s no big deal and well worth the savings to me. Again, if you want to add some color and a bit of spiciness, you can sprinkle a bit of paprika or Old Bay seasoning on the crab ball or even add a dash in the crab ball when mixing. While any serving dish will work, I often serve my crab ball in a special crab dish, so that guests are instantly aware that crab is involved. We have had guests who are allergic to shellfish, so it’s nice to keep these folks safe with that visual cue.Two-Ingredient Crab Ball Appetizer (Naturally Gluten Free)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Pam says
I bet that is gooood!
Enjoy!
Shirley says
Hi, Pam–For anyone who enjoys crab, it’s a delight. Mr. GFE and I just shared some as our appetizer. 🙂
Shirley
Lauren says
So simple! Sounds good to me =D.
Shirley says
Hey Lauren–Simple could be my middle name. 😉 It’s great to mix up at the last minute or prepare ahead. Simple, but elegant.
Thanks!
Shirley
Jenn says
This looks so good – LOVE your crab shaped serving dish!
Shirley says
Hey there, Jenn–Thanks! The crab dish actually has a story behind it. I was given it as a gift at a Christmas party by an employer before I actually started working for them. I was so impressed that they would do that. However, once I started working at the company after Christmas, I soon found out things were not as they should be and resigned. I’ve thought about passing it on so as not to remember its history, but practicality and my love of the crab prevails. 😉
Shirley
Johanna B says
Love the crab shaped dish. I’ll have to try this recipe for Christmas – easy but classic.
Shirley says
Hi Johanna–Everyone loves that dish! 🙂 Excellent description: “easy but classic.” This is a great crowd pleaser. Hope you will make it and report back.
Thanks,
Shirley
Kim says
Shirley….this dip looks so good & so easy! YUM! I may use that for our Christmas Eve appetizer night. 🙂
Kim
Shirley says
Hi, Kim–Yes, you are exactly right. It doesn’t even need the optional third ingredient. It’s amazing how wonderful the crab and cream cheese mixture taste. It’s standard fare for holidays and parties in our family. Hope it makes the grade for your holiday appetizers! Incidentally, Christmas Eve means appetizer fare at our family gatherings, too. 🙂
Shirley
Brenda says
If Shirley makes it and says it’s good, it’s got to be good! Every recipe of hers that I’ve tried has been DELICIOUS!
Brenda from MD
Shirley says
Brenda–You’re my biggest MD fan and cheerleader! I am always tickled to get an email from you sharing a new success with one of my recipes. I always love your dairy-free adaptations (when needed) and other adjustments you make (like less sugar), too.
Thanks so much!
Shirley
Gluten Free Steve says
My mom used to make this, and it’s one of my favorites. She pours cocktail sauce over it and it’s really good with that added in.
Shirley says
Hi, Steve–I’m so glad this is an appetizer you really enjoy, too. You’re right … a lot of folks do like cocktail sauce on their seafood appetizers like this one. Thanks so much for mentioning that … I’m sure some readers will want to make it that way. 🙂
Shirley
Therese says
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, more dreams of your delicious Virginia crab.
one day i’ll pop for something good and eat it dipped in butter. Then, on day 2, it will be this crab ball. Heaven.
Shirley says
Therese– 🙂 We’re doing the reverse. Used half of the pound of crabmeat to make the crab ball and will use the other half to make Crab Norfolk for dinner this evening. Heaven indeed … I think eating crabmeat greatly improves one’s outlook on life! LOL Plus, I’m making the Reindeer Antlers, too, for a Friday night stay-at-home date night event. 😉
Thanks!
Shirley
Therese says
Oh, my. Reindeer Antlers all around! I might be making this later this month. I think it will be a hit at the farm when we visit.
Crab Norfolk, the stuff dreams are made of.
Shirley says
I know you are well loved at the farm, Therese, and that’s as it should be 😉 , but make these babies and you’ll move to the top of Santa’s “girls who’ve been good” list! 🙂
Shirley
Sagan says
Ooh that sounds so good. I bet there’s some really good gluten-free cracker recipes out there, too, to go with it.
Shirley says
Hi Sagan–Thank you! Yes, very yummy … we just finished it up this evening. It’s quite nice to make these special recipes for the blog. 🙂 My lovely blogging friend, Lauren, just made some wonderful crackers, called lavash. I really should give them a try myself.
Shirley
Linda says
Easy and delicious! That’s a great appetizer idea. Thanks for linking to “What can I eat that’s gluten free?”
Shirley says
Happy Friday, Linda! If you enjoy crab, I think you will love this one. Another great roundup at What can I eat that’s gluten free? this week. 🙂
Thanks,
Shirley
Winnie says
Looks tasty…has me nostalgic as my grandma used to make a similar dish for parties…
it’s nice to discover your blog and I’m off to read more of your posts!
Shirley says
Hi Winnie–Welcome to gfe! I’m quite enjoying your blog, too. It’s so inspiring for eating healthy … healthy, but tasty. 🙂
Remembering dishes that our special family members use to make … always full of emotions. I find special food memories take us back with them more than just about anything.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Shirley
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
I love your crab dip and your hostess-with-the-mostest tips! You must really know how to keep your guests happy. Thanks for sharing this at Holiday Food Fest – and can’t wait for you to host on Thursday!
Shirley says
Hi Amy–Thanks for the kudos on the crab dip. It’s not my creation, but it’s been around for over 30 years around here. I have no idea whose original, brilliant idea it was. Mr. GFE’s cousin’s wife would make it for us on the spur of the moment, just when we dropped in. Oh, boy, did we love her from day one!
I do love to host parties … I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t over the years, but still always try out new recipes. 🙂
I need to sign up or McKLinky … I’ve never used it and to be perfectly honest, I’m not 100% sure what my recipe will be on Thursday. LOL I’m sure it will all work out though. 😉
Thanks!
Shirley
Brenda says
I love that this is so easy. I hope I get to try this sometime during the holidays.
Shirley says
Hi Brenda–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Yes, crab ball is so easy and such a crowd pleaser. I hope you get to try it, too. It can be a special little treat all by itself. Make it, add a few crackers, and you’re set for a feast. Or, add it to a variety of goodies, and it’s the star … and so are you! 😉
I just took a peek at your blog and I love the positive and warm sentiments expressed there. Thank you also for sharing your health journey. I’m sure it’s helped many.
Hugs,
Shirley
Lisa@blessedwithgrace says
Love crab dip. How yummy. Thanks for linking to TMTT.
Shirley says
Hi Lisa–Welcome to gfe! If you enjoy crab dip, you’ll love this crab ball. 😉 My pleasure to link to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays! That’s a huge roundup … fun. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Shirley
Tyrone says
Should I cook the crabmeat first? I bought 8oz Private Selection Wild Caught Special Crabmeat… small pieces of white meat
Shirley says
Hi Tyrone–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 When you buy crabmeat like that, it’s already cooked, so go ahead and use it in the recipe. (Be sure to drain off any liquid first.) Enjoy!
Shirley
Tyrone says
Thank you! I can’t wait to enjoy and see everyone’s expressions when we indulge the Crab Ball and Reindeer Antlers. I just hope that we will be satisfied with the amount.
Shirley says
You’re welcome, Tyrone! Oh what fun that you are making both … a little usually goes a long way with both recipes. 😉 I look forward to you reporting back if you get time after your festivities. Merry Christmas!
Shirley
Tyrone says
Shirley, Shirley, Shirley… absolutely splendid! I just hope I don’t over indulge. I can’t stop! The punch is light and goes straight to my head 😉 I used Town House Flatbread Crisps Italian Herb; I’m not gluten free, just awakening to the idea. Also, I used Cajun seasoning. Everyone is delighted. Thank you!
Shirley says
Woohoo! You are welcome and thanks so much for reporting back! 🙂 Hope you and your friends/family enjoy to the last crisp and the last drop. 😉 Cajun seasoning was a good idea! (Old Bay works well, too.)
Shirley
swathi says
Looks delicious, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop.pinning.
Shirley Braden says
Thanks, Swathi! I’m making this for my family’s Christmas Eve celebration. 🙂
Shirley