Irresistible Hot Crab Dip Recipe for Your Next Gathering

Creamy hot crab dip brings a coastal charm right to your table, promising an unforgettable appetizer that sparks conversation.

Delicate seafood mingles with rich, velvety cream cheese and zesty herbs.

Sharp cheddar melts into golden swirls of deliciousness.

Crisp crackers or warm bread become the perfect vehicle for this luxurious spread.

Every bite delivers a burst of maritime flavor that feels both elegant and comforting.

The blend of textures and seasonings creates a harmony that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that turns ordinary moments into delectable memories.

Hot Crab Dip That Gets the Party Started

• Appeals to seafood lovers and casual snack enthusiasts with its creamy, rich texture and bold flavor profile.
• Pairs beautifully with multiple dipping companions like crispy crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks, making it adaptable for different preferences.
• Beginner-friendly recipe involving simple mixing and baking steps, allowing even novice cooks to create a professional-looking appetizer with minimal culinary expertise.

What You’ll Need for Hot Crab Dip

• Crab Meat: Fresh or canned seafood protein, key to the dip's main flavor. Wild-caught varieties offer better taste. Look for lump or backfin crab meat for best texture.

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Smooth, rich base that holds ingredients together. Full-fat versions provide better consistency. Softened cream cheese blends easier.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the creamy mixture. Freshly grated provides more intense flavor.

• Garlic Powder: Provides mild, consistent garlic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness. Fresh juice recommended.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the overall taste profile.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature maritime flavor. Iconic for crab dishes.

Prepare Hot Crab Dip Without Complications

Step 1: Prepare Crab Meat

Carefully drain canned crab meat using a colander. Gently blot excess moisture with paper towels. Inspect and remove any remaining shells or tough bits to ensure a smooth texture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise

• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning

Stir until ingredients meld together perfectly.

Step 3: Fold in Seafood Treasure

Tenderly introduce crab meat into the creamy mixture. Use a gentle folding technique to preserve delicate meat chunks.

Step 4: Get Oven Ready

Warm oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer crab mixture, spreading evenly across the dish surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges become slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Accompany with toasted baguette slices, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Useful Notes for Hot Crab Dip Perfection

• Select Fresh Crab Meat: Choose high-quality, lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor, avoiding stringy or watery varieties.
• Prevent Watery Dip: Pat crab meat thoroughly dry to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Control Baking Temperature: Watch the dip carefully during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown top.
• Customize Serving Options: Experiment with different dipping sides like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for variety.

Reheat and Save Hot Crab Dip with Ease

• Store leftover hot crab dip in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Transfer dip to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Scoop desired portion into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when dip reaches desired temperature.
• Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore original creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent separation of ingredients.

Pair Hot Crab Dip with These Snacks

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cut through the rich, creamy dip's decadence with bright, zesty notes that refresh the palate.
• Toasted baguette slices, buttery water crackers, and crisp vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber provide perfect textural contrast to the smooth, velvety dip.
• A citrusy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the dip's richness and adds a refreshing element to the appetizer experience.
• Prosecco or champagne's effervescence cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the crab dip's delicate seafood flavor and creamy texture.

Make Hot Crab Dip More Exciting

• Dairy-Free Crab Dip: Replace cream cheese and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream cheese and plant-based mayonnaise for a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Seafood Spread: Swap crackers for fresh cucumber slices or bell pepper strips, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Crab Dip: Add cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, and extra Old Bay seasoning to create a zesty, heat-packed appetizer with bold southern flavors.
• Protein-Packed Keto Option: Use full-fat cream cheese, increase Parmesan cheese, and serve with pork rinds or crispy cheese crisps for a high-protein, low-carb alternative.

Hot Crab Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, irresistible Hot Crab Dip brings coastal flavors straight to your kitchen table. Packed with succulent crab meat, tangy cheeses, and a hint of zesty seasoning, this crowd-pleasing appetizer will have guests diving in for more.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Carefully inspect canned crab meat, removing any hidden shells or tough cartilage while draining and delicately patting dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Create a silky base by whisking cream cheese and mayonnaise until perfectly smooth, then introduce Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, tangy lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and zesty Old Bay seasoning, stirring until harmoniously blended.
3. Tenderly incorporate crab meat into the mixture, using a gentle folding technique to preserve the delicate texture of the seafood.
4. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a baking dish, then evenly distribute the crab mixture across the surface.
5. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the interior becomes piping hot.
6. Allow the dip to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then present alongside rustic bread, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Choose fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic and rich flavor, avoiding stringy or overly processed options.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise to ensure a creamy, luxurious texture that holds together perfectly.
• Adjust seasonings by reducing Old Bay for a milder taste or adding extra for more zesty kick, depending on personal preference.
• Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker during parties to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent cooling and separation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg