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This delicious hot crab dip recipe is the perfect sharing appetizer to enjoy throughout the holidays. Creamy and cheesy, made with lump crab meat, this dip is easy to prep before it gets baked in the oven.

close up image of crab dip in a bowl with crackers

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Whether you are serving this up as a holiday appetizer, or as a sharing plate for game day, this warm crab dip recipe is sure to be a hit!

Perfectly seasoned, this is creamy and cheesy and perfect for dipping. It’s perfectly tangy, and add in some hot sauce if you like things spicy!

Be sure to try my Buffalo Chicken Dip and Smoked Salmon Dip too! Make sure you also try my delicious crab cakes!

Why you will love this hot crab dip recipe!

  • Quick and easy: Just mix all of the ingredients together and bake in the oven til hot and bubbling.
  • Great for a crowd: This easy crab dip recipe will easily serve 6, but it’s easy to double or half depending on how many you are hosting.
  • Make ahead: This crab meat dip can easily be made ahead of time and is quickly reheated to serve.
close up image of dipping cracker in a dip

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: For best results, make sure that the cream cheese is softened so that it mixes well with the other ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a nice creamy richness to the dip.
  • Shredded cheese: The cheese is mixed in with the rest of the ingredients and the creamy dip is also topped with it before being baked.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, ground mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a nice acidic tang.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor.
  • Crab: Use fresh crab meat for the best results. Either lump crab meat or jumbo lump crab meat will work for this recipe.
  • Hot sauce: This is optional, but a great addition if you like things spicy.
ingredients for crab dip

How to make this crab dip recipe

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
  • In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  • Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, spices, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold in the lump crab meat.
  • Transfer to a 9-inch (or slightly larger) baking dish, pie dish, or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly around the edges.
  • Serve warm and sprinkle chopped fresh green onions.  
process images of making crab dip
hot crab dip in a baking dish

TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Crab Dip

  • Soften the cream cheese before making this cheese crab dip. Take it out of the fridge around an hour before you want to make this recipe.
  • It’s quickest and easiest to make this seafood dip recipe with a stand or electric mixer. You can make it by hand, but be sure that the ingredients are well combined.
  • Serve with vegetable sticks, crackers and anything else you can dip!

How long does it keep?

Although best served as soon as it’s ready, the leftovers keep well. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is easily reheated in the microwave or at 350°F in the oven until warmed through. You can make the dip a few hours before you are ready to make it and keep it covered in the fridge.

Can you make it healthier?

For a lighter version, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise with their reduced-fat counterparts. Keep in mind, this may affect the creaminess and richness of the dip.

image from top of hot crab dip in a bowl served with crackers

Can you use canned crab meat?

Fresh lump crab meat is best to use in this recipe. In a pinch, you can use canned meat, but be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. If using frozen crab meat, make sure it’s thawed fully and patted dry before using.

How do you serve it

You can serve it with slices of baguettes, tortilla chips, or your favorite crackers.

More Dips and Sauces

If you enjoyed this Crab Dip recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

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Crab Dip Recipe

This delicious hot crab dip recipe is the perfect sharing appetizer to enjoy throughout the holidays. Creamy and cheesy, made with lump crab meat, this dip is easy to prep before it gets baked in the oven.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Save This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  • Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, spices, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold in the lump crab meat.
  • Transfer to a 9-inch (or slightly larger) baking pan, pie dish, or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly around the edges.
  • Serve warm.

Video

Notes

  • Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or at 350°F in the oven until warmed throughout.
  • Soften the cream cheese before making this recipe. Take it out of the fridge around an hour before you want to make this recipe.
  • It’s quickest and easiest to make this dip with a stand or electric mixer. You can make it by hand, but be sure that the ingredients are well combined.
  • Serve with vegetable sticks, crackers and anything else you can dip!

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1447mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 971IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 249mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.

About Neli Howard

Meet Neli Howard, the food blogger and recipe developer behind Delicious Meets Healthy. With over 12 years of cooking experience, Neli shares easy, wholesome recipes made with real ingredients to help you cook stress-free, flavorful meals the whole family will love. Her work has been featured in Healthline, Forbes, CNN, and more.

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