Gluten-Free Devil Crab Cream Cheese Ball

Gluten-Free Devil Crab Cream Cheese Ball 🦀🧀

A spicy, seafood twist on the classic cheese ball—inspired by Tampa’s famous Deviled Crab! This creamy, crunchy appetizer is gluten-free, easy to make, and packed with Old Bay flavor. Perfect for parties or game day!

---

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Base:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

• 1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat, drained & flaked (check for GF label)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use Lea & Perrins GF)

• 1½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (+ extra for coating)

• 1 tsp hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• ¼ cup red bell pepper, minced

Coating:

• ½ cup finely crushed GF crackers (like Schär or Simple Mills)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

For Serving:

• GF crackers

• Celery sticks

• Cucumber slices

---

Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Cheese Ball

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, hot sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.

2. Fold in crab meat, green onions, and bell pepper (don’t overmix to keep crab chunks intact).

2️⃣ Shape & Coat

1. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap. Scoop mixture onto it and shape into a ball or log.

2. Wrap tightly and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight).

3. Before serving, mix crushed GF crackers, parsley, and Old Bay on a plate. Roll cheese ball in coating.

3️⃣ Serve!

• Pair with GF crackers and veggies.

• Garnish with lemon wedges and extra Old Bay.

---

🌟 Tips

• No crab? Substitute canned salmon or imitation crab (check for GF).

• Extra kick? Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the mix.

• Make ahead: Stores up to 3 days in the fridge.

---

Why It Works

✅ GF but FULL of flavor—no one will guess it’s gluten-free!
✅ Sweet, spicy, and briny—just like Tampa’s iconic deviled crab.
✅ Easy to customize (add horseradish or smoked paprika for depth).

Fun Fact: Deviled Crab is a Tampa Bay specialty, born from Cuban and Spanish influences! 🇨🇺

Great for holiday parties or seafood lovers! Want a dairy-free version? Use vegan cream cheese! 🌱