Indulge in this Silky, Warm Crab Dip Recipe Tonight

Warm, cheesy crab dip that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds is a crowd-pleasing appetizer guaranteed to spark conversation.

Succulent crab meat blends seamlessly with rich cream cheese and zesty seasonings in this irresistible recipe.

Every bite promises a luxurious explosion of oceanic flavor and creamy texture.

Sharp cheddar and green onions add depth and complexity to the dish.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of savory notes that dance across your palate.

Fresh lump crab meat elevates this dip from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve this decadent appetizer at your next gathering and watch as guests devour every last creamy, delectable morsel.

How to Prepare a Flavor-Packed Crab Dip

• Prep the Ocean Treasure

Drain and gently clean crab meat, removing any lingering shells or tough bits.

• Create Creamy Blend

Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise until silky smooth. Mix in Parmesan, garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until perfectly combined.

• Incorporate Seafood Delicacy

Tenderly fold crab meat into the creamy mixture, preserving its delicate texture.

• Warm and Golden Transformation

Preheat oven to 375F. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent heating.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide dish into oven and bake 20-25 minutes until top turns golden and dip bubbles with warmth.

• Serve and Delight

Pull from oven and let rest briefly. Offer alongside crispy crackers, crusty bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for ultimate dipping pleasure.

Tips to Nail the Texture and Kick

• Choose high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or premium canned crab will elevate the overall taste of your dip.
• Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when ready to serve, making party prep a breeze.
• Experiment with heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with low-fat alternatives. Gluten-free friends can enjoy this dip with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks. Dairy-free option works by using vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise substitutes.
• Top the finished dip with fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a sprinkle of additional Old Bay seasoning just before serving to add color and extra flavor dimension.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients That Make Hot Crab Dip Irresistible

• Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate seafood that brings rich ocean flavor and tender texture, choose fresh or high-quality canned options without shell fragments.

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Smooth base creating luxurious texture and tangy richness, select full-fat versions for best consistency and depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds sophisticated depth and subtle saltiness, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor impact.

• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that cuts through richness and lifts overall flavor profile, use fresh-squeezed for best results.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex, umami-rich condiment that adds mysterious depth and slight tanginess, choose high-quality traditional brand.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature zesty kick, perfect for complementing delicate crab meat.

Tools to Stir Up That Creamy, Cheesy Mix

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
• Baking dish: Needed to bake and serve the hot crab dip.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and sauces.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for gently folding crab meat and mixing ingredients.
• Paper towels: Used to drain and pat dry the crab meat.
• Oven: Required for baking the dip to golden perfection.

Serve Crab Dip with Toasts or Crackers

• Seafood Party Platter: Arrange the hot crab dip as a centerpiece surrounded by an array of crispy toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, and fresh vegetable sticks for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Coastal Brunch Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend brunch that brings seaside flavors to your morning meal.
• Game Day Dipping Station: Create a fun interactive snack zone with multiple dippers like tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, and colorful bell pepper strips that complement the rich, creamy crab dip.
• Elegant Cocktail Pairing: Match this luxurious dip with chilled white wine or a crisp sauvignon blanc during sophisticated evening gatherings, enhancing the delicate seafood flavors.

How to Keep It Warm for Seconds

• Store leftover hot crab dip in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm refrigerated dip in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency. Microwave works in pinches, but can separate ingredients and reduce quality.
• Wrap unbaked dip tightly in freezer-safe container or plastic wrap, storing up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Consider dividing dip into smaller ramekins before baking, allowing easier individual servings and more flexible storage. Smaller portions reheat faster and maintain better texture when warming later.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?

Yes, fresh crab meat works beautifully. Just ensure it’s clean, picked through for shells, and gently handled to maintain its delicate texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

While most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, check your Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to confirm they don’t contain gluten. Old Bay seasoning is typically gluten-free.

• How can I make this dip less rich?

Substitute some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content. You can also add more lemon juice for brightness.

• What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

Create a substitute by mixing paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, use a blend of seafood seasoning or simply add more garlic powder and salt.

Creamy Hot Crab Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy hot crab dip showcases Maryland’s coastal culinary pride with rich, tangy flavors. Cheese, herbs, and succulent crab meat combine for an irresistible appetizer that welcomes hungry guests to the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously inspect canned crab meat, removing shells and cartilage, then drain and pat dry to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Base Creation: Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth, then blend in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until fully incorporated.
3. Crab Integration: Gently fold crab meat into the creamy mixture, maintaining the seafood’s delicate texture and ensuring even distribution.
4. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), grease a baking dish, and spread the crab mixture evenly across the surface.
5. Finishing Touch: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown crust and the interior reaches a steaming hot temperature, then let rest briefly before serving with artisan bread, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités.

Notes

• Inspect Seafood Carefully: Remove all shell fragments and tough cartilage from canned crab meat to ensure a smooth, safe eating experience.
• Blend Ingredients Smoothly: Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise thoroughly to create a creamy, lump-free base that enhances the overall texture of the dip.
• Fold Crab Gently: Use a light folding technique when mixing crab meat to maintain its delicate texture and prevent breaking down the seafood.
• Control Baking Time: Watch the dip closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown top without burning or drying out the mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg