Crab dip is a creamy, rich, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining, game days, holidays, or any time you want to serve something impressive yet easy. With the delicate sweetness of crab meat paired with savory seasonings, gooey cheese, and a creamy base, this dip brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you serve it hot or cold, with crackers or crusty bread, this dip will be the first dish to disappear at your next party. Let’s dive into how you can make the ultimate crab dip at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Rich and Creamy – Loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, and gooey cheeses.
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Full of Crab Flavor – Uses real crab meat to create a luxurious seafood taste.
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Quick and Easy – Comes together in under 10 minutes, then just bake.
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Perfect for Parties – A reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients List
To make a classic baked crab dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 (8 oz) package lump crab meat (drained and picked through)
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 6 to 8 people
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crab Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in Crab Meat
Gently fold in the lump crab meat and chopped green onions. Be careful not to overmix—keep the crab meat as intact as possible for the best texture.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dippers like crackers, crostini, or sliced veggies.
Hot vs. Cold Crab Dip
While baked crab dip is a warm, melty treat, some people prefer a cold version for its light, creamy texture. To make it cold:
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Omit the baking step.
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Chill the prepared mixture in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
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Serve it with crackers or chilled vegetable sticks.
Best Crab Meat to Use
Lump Crab Meat
The most recommended option—large, firm pieces that give the dip a luxurious texture.
Imitation Crab
Budget-friendly and still tasty, but lacks the sweet, briny taste of real crab.
Claw Meat
More flavorful and darker in color. A good option if you prefer a stronger seafood taste.
Tips for Success
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Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
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Drain the Crab Well: Extra moisture can make your dip watery.
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Don’t Overmix: You want chunks of crab in every bite.
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Cheese Variety: Mix mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for sharpness.
Dipping Ideas
Here are some great things to serve with crab dip:
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Buttery crackers
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Toasted baguette slices
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Pretzel chips
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Celery and carrot sticks
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Bell pepper strips
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Pita chips or tortilla chips
Make-Ahead and Storage
Can You Make Crab Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can You Freeze Crab Dip?
Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy content, which may cause the texture to change after thawing.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Crab Dip: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Cheesy Crab Dip: Try adding sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a bolder cheese flavor.
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Crab-Artichoke Dip: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts.
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Garlic Butter Crab Dip: Add minced garlic sautéed in butter for an extra punch.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is best served hot and bubbly right out of the oven. Pair it with:
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Sparkling wine or dry white wine
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A light salad for contrast
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A seafood-themed appetizer spread
FAQs
What is crab dip made of?
Crab dip is typically made with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, lump crab meat, and seasonings like Old Bay.
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works well—just make sure to drain it thoroughly and pick out any shell pieces.
Can I make crab dip without mayonnaise?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or more sour cream in place of mayonnaise, though the texture and flavor will slightly change.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute.
Is crab dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be cautious about what you serve it with. Opt for gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.
Conclusion
Crab dip is the ultimate indulgent appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich seafood flavor. Whether you make it for a game night, a holiday party, or a cozy gathering with friends, it’s bound to become a favorite. You can keep it classic or play around with spices and cheeses to make it your own. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser.