Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Crab Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s luxurious and flavorful, yet incredibly easy to make. The creamy base combined with the sweetness of crab and the kick from seasonings makes each bite irresistible. It’s perfect for making ahead, reheats beautifully, and works for any occasion—from game day to elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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Juice of half a lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
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Extra sliced green onions or chives
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Paprika or additional Old Bay seasoning
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Dip:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
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Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Add the Cheese and Crab: Fold in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, lump crab meat, and green onions. Be gentle when mixing to keep the crab pieces intact.
Bake:
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Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle with a little extra cheese or seasoning if desired.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot with crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Enjoy!
This creamy, cheesy, crab-filled dip is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Crab Dip: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Cheesy Crab Dip: Add mozzarella or Gruyère for more cheesy pull.
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Herb Twist: Mix in chopped dill or parsley for fresh herbal flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
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Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese base, which can separate.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use canned crab?
Absolutely. Just be sure to drain it well. Fresh or lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor.
Can I serve this cold?
While it’s meant to be served hot, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if needed.
What can I serve with hot crab dip?
It pairs beautifully with crostini, crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, or even sliced bell peppers and cucumbers for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Hot Crab Dip is the ultimate creamy, savory appetizer that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make. With its gooey cheese, tender crab, and perfectly seasoned flavor, it’s sure to be the star of any snack spread or appetizer table. Whether for holidays, parties, or game day, this dip is always a winner!
Hot Crab Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked appetizer made with tender lump crab meat, cream cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings. This indulgent dip is golden and bubbly from the oven, making it a go-to party dish for holidays, gatherings, or game day. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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Juice of half a lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
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Extra sliced green onions or chives
- Paprika or additional Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
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In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
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Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Fold in cheddar, Parmesan, crab meat, and green onions gently.
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Transfer to prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and optionally top with extra cheese or seasoning.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.
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Garnish with green onions or paprika and serve hot with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.Best served hot, but can be enjoyed at room temperature.Do not freeze due to cream cheese base.Reheat leftovers in oven or microwave.
