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Raffaello appetizer of crab sticks and cheese

"Raffaello" Crab Stick and Cheese Bites

Bright, eye-catching, super tasty, quick to make — perfect for a party. These "Raffaello" crab stick and cheese bites are pretty and original, and they suit any festive occasion. They're made from the most ordinary ingredients, and their delicate texture and quick prep will win over any cook!

Maria

Recipe author

Raffaello appetizer of crab sticks and cheese

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Composition / ingredients

Servings:

Crab sticks (imitation crab)

300

Processed cheese (a firm spreadable type you can grate)

100

Eggs

Garlic

Mayonnaise

Translation table of volumetric measures

Nutrients and energy value of the composition of the recipe

By weight of the composition:

Proteins 31 % 10 g

Fats 50 % 16 g

Carbohydrates 19 % 6 g

176 kcal

GI: 100 / 0 / 0

Cooking method

Cooking time: 45 min

Step 1:

How do you make these showstopping "Raffaello" bites from crab sticks and cheese? It's simple and quick. First, gather the ingredients on the list. Choose crab sticks with a bright red coating, so the bites come out just as bright and striking. You want a firm, grateable spreadable cheese; you can also swap it for a regular hard cheese. Use large eggs.
Step 2:

Grate the crab sticks on the fine holes of a grater. Set aside a third of them to coat the bites later. To make the crab sticks easier to grate, pop them in the freezer for 20–30 minutes first.
Step 3:

Freeze the processed cheese for 20 minutes too, then grate it finely.
Step 4:

Hard-boil the eggs, cool and peel them, then grate them finely.
Step 5:

In a bowl, combine the grated crab sticks, cheese, and eggs. Add the garlic clove pressed through a garlic press, plus the mayonnaise.
Step 6:

Mix everything well until even. If it seems a little dry, add a touch more mayonnaise. The mixture should be firm, slightly sticky, and hold together when you form balls.
Step 7:

With damp hands, roll the mixture into small, firm balls about the size of a walnut.
Step 8:

Roll the balls in the reserved grated crab sticks. They'll instantly take on a festive, eye-catching look. If you're making them ahead, cover them with a bowl so they don't dry out and keep them in the fridge.
Step 9:

Transfer the crab-stick "Raffaellos" to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs. I added a few pomegranate seeds, too. Now you're ready to serve. Enjoy!

How do you hard-boil eggs? To keep them from cracking, start them in cold water over low heat. Boil for 9 minutes once the water comes to a boil, then transfer to cold water to cool — the sudden temperature change makes them easier to peel.
How do you choose good crab sticks (imitation crab)? Always check the use-by date. Surimi (minced white fish) should be the first item in the ingredient list. Important: don't buy them if there's frost on the package — that's a sign they've been refrozen. Fresh sticks should be free of gray and yellow spots, springy, and slightly moist. If they feel sticky, they've gone bad.
It's worth making your own mayonnaise — it tastes better and is better for you. You can also use sour cream or plain yogurt as the dressing instead of, or mixed with, the mayonnaise in any ratio you like, which lightens up the dish.