• Appetizers + Snacks
  • Crab Dip Recipe

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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

    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?

    I prefer to make this baked crab dip recipe with full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise as it has a richer flavor and creamier texture. You can use low fat if you prefer, to cut down on fat and calories, but sometimes it’s good to indulge!

    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.

    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!

    More Dips and Sauces

    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
    Calories 339kcal

    Email Me This Recipe

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    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.

    TIPS & 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
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword crab and cheese dip, hot crab dip, how to make crab dip
    Did you make this recipe?

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    Dec 21, 2021

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