Name: crab dip cheese ball
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Full-fat cream cheese is best for a rich texture.; 100g (3.5oz) Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated melts more evenly.; 150g (5oz) Lump Crab Meat, Picked Over: High-quality crab meat is essential.; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor.; 1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.; 1 tsp (5g) Lemon Zest: Zest only the yellow part of the peel.; 2 Tbsp (30g) Finely Chopped Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is preferred.; 2 Tbsp (30g) Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley is recommended.; 0.5 tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.; 0.5 tsp (2g) Old Bay Seasoning: Or any seafood seasoning.; 0.5 tsp (2g) Hot Sauce (Optional): For a mild kick.; Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season as you go.; 0.5 cup (50g) Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs: Toast for enhanced flavor.; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: For brushing.; 1 Tbsp (15ml) Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Lemon zest and dill infused.; Garnish: 1 Tbsp (15g) Chopped Chives and Lemon Zest.

Description

This Lemon-Herb Cracked Cheese Ball with Crab Dip is a flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, tangy crab dip encased in a vibrant lemon-herb cheese ball with a crispy panko crust. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Full-fat cream cheese is best for a rich texture.
100g (3.5oz) Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated melts more evenly.
150g (5oz) Lump Crab Meat, Picked Over: High-quality crab meat is essential.
2 Tbsp (30ml) Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor.
1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
1 tsp (5g) Lemon Zest: Zest only the yellow part of the peel.
2 Tbsp (30g) Finely Chopped Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is preferred.
2 Tbsp (30g) Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley is recommended.
0.5 tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.
0.5 tsp (2g) Old Bay Seasoning: Or any seafood seasoning.
0.5 tsp (2g) Hot Sauce (Optional): For a mild kick.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season as you go.
0.5 cup (50g) Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs: Toast for enhanced flavor.
2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: For brushing.
1 Tbsp (15ml) Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Lemon zest and dill infused.
Garnish: 1 Tbsp (15g) Chopped Chives and Lemon Zest.

Instructions

Prep & Mix Cheese: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then fold in cheddar.
Add Lemon & Herbs: Incorporate mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dill, and parsley.
Spice & Season: Add smoked paprika, Old Bay, and hot sauce (optional); season with salt and pepper.
Fold in Crab: Gently fold in lump crab meat.
Chill & Shape: Shape into a ball and chill for 30 minutes.
Coat with Panko: Brush with olive oil, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
Bake to Golden: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes.
Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle with herb oil, garnish with chives and lemon zest.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve with crackers, baguette, or crudités.

Notes

Toasting the panko breadcrumbs is crucial for a crispy crust. Brushing with olive oil helps the panko adhere.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: cheese ball,crab dip,appetizer,party food,lemon,herbs,easy recipe,baking,dip