Pineapple and Coconut Crab Cake Cheese Ball

This Pineapple and Coconut Crab Cake Cheese Ball brings together the flavors of a classic crab cake—sweet, succulent crab meat, spices, and rich cream cheese—combined with the sweetness of pineapple and a touch of coconut for a truly tropical flavor profile. It’s an amazing party appetizer, combining creamy, savory, and tropical elements in a way that’s both unexpected and delicious.

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Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup cooked crab meat (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve some juice for flavor)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on your preference)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, but adds extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for texture)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance the flavors)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture

Start by preparing the crab mixture, which will form the base of your cheese ball. This step will take about 5 minutes.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The Old Bay seasoning adds that signature seafood flavor, and the mustard gives it a nice tang. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more Old Bay or garlic powder if you like.
3. Fold in the crab meat, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab too much—this will help maintain texture.
4. Add the crushed pineapple. Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid adding excess liquid. The pineapple gives a refreshing sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
5. Mix in the shredded coconut. If you’re using sweetened coconut, it will add an extra touch of sweetness, while unsweetened coconut will offer a more neutral coconut flavor.

Step 2: Form the Cheese Ball

Now that your crab mixture is ready, it’s time to form it into a cheese ball. This step will take about 5-7 minutes.

1. Transfer the crab mixture into a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and carefully shape it into a ball. Try to compact it as you go, so it holds its shape well.
2. Wrap the cheese ball tightly and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours. This will help the flavors meld together and give the cheese ball a firmer consistency, making it easier to serve.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Ball

Once the cheese ball has chilled, you can coat it for a beautiful presentation. This step will take about 5 minutes.

1. Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a plate or shallow dish. If you like a crunchier texture, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully roll the chilled cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until it’s evenly coated. The breadcrumbs will give it a nice, crispy texture when you serve it.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

The final touches will enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor. This should take around 5 minutes.

1. Garnish the cheese ball with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
2. Top with finely chopped green onions (optional) for an extra bit of flavor and color contrast.
3. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. The cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping options like water crackers, tortilla chips, or crisp celery and carrots.

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Time and Temperature:

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1-2 hours (for best results, refrigerate for at least an hour)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (depending on chilling time)
• Serving Temperature: Serve cold, straight from the fridge. The cheese ball should be firm but creamy on the inside.

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Notes:

1. Crab Meat Variations: While fresh crab meat is ideal, you can also use canned or frozen crab meat (be sure to drain and thaw it properly). If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, imitation crab (surimi) works too, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor as real crab.
2. Pineapple: Make sure to drain the pineapple well before mixing it into the cheese ball. Excess liquid can make the mixture too soft and difficult to form into a ball. You can also use finely chopped dried pineapple for a more concentrated flavor.
3. Coconut: You can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, depending on your preference. If you opt for sweetened coconut, be aware that it will add a slight sweetness to the overall flavor of the cheese ball.
4. Adjusting the Spice: If you like your cheese ball with a little more kick, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. A little heat can complement the tropical flavors beautifully.
5. Make-Ahead Option: This cheese ball is perfect for preparing in advance. Make it up to 2 days ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and coat it with the breadcrumbs just before serving.
6. Serving Suggestions: For added flavor, you can serve this cheese ball with tropical fruits like mango slices or pineapple chunks. It pairs especially well with tropical-themed drinks or light wines like a Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a hint of lime.

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 150-200 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
• Protein: 5-7g (from the crab meat)
• Fat: 12-15g (mainly from the cream cheese and coconut)
• Carbohydrates: 5-7g (mostly from the pineapple and breadcrumbs)
• Fiber: 1-2g (from coconut and pineapple)
• Sugar: 2-4g (from the pineapple and coconut)

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Conclusion:

The Pineapple and Coconut Crab Cake Cheese Ball is an irresistible party treat that brings together the best of both savory and sweet. The tropical notes of pineapple and coconut perfectly balance the richness of the crab and cream cheese, while the crunchy panko breadcrumb coating adds texture. This cheese ball is ideal for a summer gathering, holiday celebration, or any occasion where you want to serve something unexpected and delightful. Easy to make, customizable, and visually impressive, this cheese ball will undoubtedly be the star of your appetizer table!