If you adore seafood appetizers that bring together crispy texture, bold seasoning, and tender crab meat, then this Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Each bite bursts with that classic, comforting flavor of crab perfectly balanced by the buttery Ritz crackers’ crunch and the unmistakable kick of Old Bay seasoning. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration for your taste buds, yet simple enough to whip up for weeknight gatherings or special occasions. Imagine golden, flavorful crab balls that impress without complicated steps—this recipe has it all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these crab balls starts with a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s enhancing the crab’s natural sweetness, adding moisture, or packing in layers of flavor that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 lb. back fin crabmeat: The star of the show, tender and sweet, make sure to pick out any shell bits for smooth bites.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together just right without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed: Adds a subtle buttery crunch and helps maintain the ideal texture.
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard: Provides a slight tang that brightens the crab mixture.
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice: Lends a fresh, citrusy note that elevates the seafood flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning: A signature blend that perfectly balances spice, salt, and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami that rounds out all the other flavors.
How to Make Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Meat
Start by gently placing the back fin crabmeat in a large mixing bowl. Take your time to carefully pick out any remaining shell fragments to ensure your crab balls have a lovely, smooth texture without any surprises while eating.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the crushed Ritz crackers, freshly chopped parsley, and Old Bay seasoning. Using a gentle folding motion, combine these dry ingredients with the crab, so everything starts to come together without smashing the delicate crab meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This wet mix will add moisture and extra layers of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the egg mixture over the crab and cracker combination. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or spoon, taking care not to break up the crab too much. The goal is to create a cohesive mixture with distinct chunks of crab visible.
Step 5: Shape the Crab Balls
Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Place these evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking, ensuring they’ll bake evenly and hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Bake the Crab Balls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the crab balls into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color and are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure heaven.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once removed from the oven, drizzle the crab balls with melted butter for an extra burst of richness. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
How to Serve Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge on the side. A light dusting of additional Old Bay seasoning over the top can add a subtle spicy finish that will delight your guests.
Side Dishes
These crab balls pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads such as a tangy coleslaw or a simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette. For a heartier complement, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to keep everything balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the crab balls on mini skewers with dipping sauces like spicy aioli, remoulade, or classic tartar sauce. Alternatively, place them atop buttery toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or a delightful party platter centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra crab balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the shaped but uncooked crab balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month and baked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover cooked crab balls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp again, usually about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep their delicious crunchy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor, you can substitute with saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs, but expect a slight difference in texture and taste.
Is it necessary to use Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is a classic that really enhances crab dishes with its unique spice blend, but you can create your own mix with paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if needed.
Can these crab balls be fried instead of baked?
You can pan-fry or deep-fry these crab balls for an extra crispy exterior, but baking is a lighter, less messy method. If frying, be sure to monitor the heat to avoid burning the delicate crab.
How do I prevent the crab balls from falling apart?
Gently folding the ingredients and using enough binder like the egg and crackers will help keep them together. Cold dough before baking also helps maintain shape.
What drinks pair well with Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light pilsner beer complement these crab balls beautifully by balancing the rich flavors and spices.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough that you try the Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe soon—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels special but never fussy. Whether for a casual family dinner or an elegant appetizer at your next gathering, these crab balls bring warmth, flavor, and that satisfying crunch that everyone will rave about. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and get ready for requests to make this again and again!
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Baked Crab Balls with Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously golden and flavorful crab balls made with fresh crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, then baked to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these crab balls offer a crispy outside with a tender, savory inside, enhanced by a drizzle of melted butter.
Ingredients
Crab Balls
- 1 lb. back fin crabmeat
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Melted butter, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Meat: Place the crab meat in a mixing bowl, carefully picking out any shell fragments to ensure a smooth texture and avoid unpleasant bits in the final dish.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add the crushed Ritz crackers, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley to the crab meat. Gently mix the ingredients together without breaking up the crab meat to maintain texture.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the crab and cracker mixture. Gently fold all the ingredients together, ensuring the crab meat remains intact but everything is evenly coated.
- Shape the Crab Balls: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and arrange them on a cookie sheet, spaced evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Crab Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crab balls for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Finishing Touches: Once baked, drizzle the crab balls with melted butter to enhance flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their perfect texture and taste.
Notes
- Be sure to remove any shell fragments from the crab meat to avoid unpleasant crunches.
- Using Ritz crackers adds a buttery flavor and crisp texture, but you can substitute with other crackers if needed.
- Do not overmix to keep the crab meat chunks intact for better texture.
- Melted butter drizzle adds richness, but you can omit for a lighter option.
- These crab balls can be served with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the crab balls for the last 2-3 minutes of baking while watching carefully to prevent burning.
