Baked Crab Dip
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Baked Crab Dip
This Crab Dip is the ultimate seafood appetizer made from scratch with fresh lump crab meat and three creamy cheeses. It bakes to golden perfection in just 25 minutes and is perfect for holiday gatherings or game day parties. The rich, savory flavor with a hint of Old Bay seasoning will have everyone coming back for more.
I first discovered this hot crab dip recipe during a coastal vacation years ago, and it instantly became my go-to appetizer for special occasions. There’s something magical about how the creamy base complements the sweet crab meat, creating a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. I love serving it alongside my cheesy garlic bread or with crisp vegetable sticks for contrast. It’s become our family’s traditional starter for holiday meals and always pairs beautifully with my baked cod as a main course.
Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip
- Made From Scratch Flavor: Fresh ingredients create a rich, authentic taste that store-bought dips can’t match.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple mixing and baking steps.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for parties and always disappears first from the snack table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Equally delicious with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients for Perfect Crab Dip
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy blending and creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency.
- Sour cream: Provides tanginess that balances the richness.
- Lump crab meat: Use fresh-picked meat for best flavor and texture.
- Green onions: Fresh chopped for mild onion flavor and color.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy cheese pull.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor and golden color when baked.
- Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that enhances the crab.
- Garlic powder: Provides savory depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for best aromatic quality.
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed brightens all the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
- Hot sauce: Optional dash for those who like subtle heat.
Crab Dip
Easy baked crab dip with lump crab meat, cream cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect warm appetizer ready in 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- oven
- baking dish
- electric mixer
- whisk
- spatula
- rubber spatula
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
- knife
- wire rack
Ingredients
Crab Dip Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 pound lump crab meat picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 1.5-quart oven-safe dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or a sturdy whisk or spatula, beat the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- To the cream cheese mixture, add the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. If desired, incorporate a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce. Mix thoroughly until all these seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the base.
- Gently fold in the picked-over lump crab meat and the finely chopped green onions. Use a rubber spatula to avoid breaking up the delicate crab lumps too much, aiming to preserve their texture in the finished dip.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined throughout the dip. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the entire crab dip mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly from edge to edge with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is actively bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and lightly golden brown. The center should be hot through.
- Carefully remove the hot dish from the oven and allow the crab dip to rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the dip to set slightly and become easier to scoop. Garnish with additional finely chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
Garnish with additional finely chopped green onions and serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Creative Crab Dip Variations
- Extra Cheesy Version: Double the cheese amounts for ultra-rich dip.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce.
- Seafood Medley: Mix in cooked shrimp with the crab.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crab Dip
- Crab Quality: Use fresh lump crab meat and pick through for shells.
- Gentle Folding: Preserve crab texture by avoiding overmixing.
- Even Baking: Use oven thermometer to ensure proper temperature.
- Resting Time: Let dip settle 5 minutes for easier scooping.
Storing and Reheating Your Dip
- Store: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended due to dairy content separation.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare dip day before and refrigerate unbaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use imitation crab in crab dip?
While you can use imitation crab, I recommend real lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Imitation crab will change the dip’s character and make it more processed tasting. Fresh crab gives that authentic seafood appetizer experience worth the splurge.
How do you keep crab dip from being watery?
Drain crab meat thoroughly and avoid overmixing. The cream cheese base should be well blended but the crab gently folded in. Baking at the right temperature helps evaporate excess moisture while creating that perfect creamy consistency.
What goes good with crab dip?
Crab dip pairs wonderfully with crispy baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a fuller spread, serve it alongside my olive oil bread dip or as part of a seafood-themed menu.
Can you make crab dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dip through step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator. This makes party preparation much simpler.
More Seafood Appetizers to Try
Why This Crab Dip Wins
With its perfect balance of creamy richness and sweet crab flavor, this baked crab dip consistently becomes the star of any gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch yet feels special enough for holidays. I hope it brings your family as much joy as it has brought mine over the years.
