This Hot Crab Dip Recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and is the perfect appetizer. But really, I will not judge you if you make a meal out of this amazing crab dip.
My love of appetizers strikes again! This hot crab dip recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make. It is made with only a few ingredients, but they come together in this creamy dip that has the slightest kick from Old Bay Seasoning.
I love this recipe it was easy to make and it was delicious!
How to Make Crab Dip
Besides how amazing it tastes, I love how fast crab dip comes together. This recipe involves just mixing together a few ingredients and then popping it in the oven.
Make sure you follow the instructions and measurements listed in the recipe card below.
- Pick through the crab meat: Lump crab meat often has pieces of shells in it. Make sure that you pick through the meat in a separate bowl and get out any pieces of shell that are still lurking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese: The cream cheese will be a lot easier to work with if it is room temperature. This is one of the few recipes in which I think it is okay for you to use your microwave to soften the cream cheese a little.
- Mix the ingredients: Using a hand mixer, blend together all of the ingredients, reserving 1 cup of the cheese for topping.
- Taste test: Taste the mixture and add any salt and pepper if you feel like it is needed.
- Top and bake: Add the remaining cheese to the top and put the dip in the oven.
Picking Through Crab Meat
As I mentioned above, I think it is best when using lump crab meat, to sort through it and pull out any pieces of shell that accidentally got mixed in.
To do this, simply add the crab meat to a bowl, and use a fork to sort through it. The pieces are very easy to notice as they look so different from the meat. I found a few pieces in the can you see pictured here.
Imitation vs. Real Crab Meat
In many of my recipes – like my very favorite Crab Pasta Salad – I use imitation crab meat. In that recipe in particular, the main reason is for texture. It just holds up better.
In other recipes, the reason for the imitation crab meat is cost. Cans of jumbo lump crab meat can run between $8 and $15. If cost is a limitation, you could absolutely use imitation crab meat in this recipe and it would work. If cost is not a limitation, for this recipe I would stick with the real deal. Its texture is perfect for this recipe.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is that red powder you see all over crabs that you get in a seafood restaurant in New England. It coats your hands as you are eating, and then the meat, and makes everything a little more wonderful.
In my experience, my international friends haven’t heard of Old Bay Seasoning, as it is something Untied States specific. It usually has the following spices:
- Celery Salt
- Cayenne Pepper
- Paprika
- Ground Bay Leaves
- Black Pepper
- Ground Mustard
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Cloves
- Cardamom
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
If you want to make this recipe and can’t find any Old Bay, you could make your own following the recipe linked below.
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Serving
You can see bagel chips served with the dip here. But lots of crackers and chips will work really well. You want to make sure you pick something sturdy because it is a hearty dip. If you choose tortilla chips, make sure they are thick. You can also serve this with veggies, such as carrots and celery sticks.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crab dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. While this can be eaten cold, my preference is warm. Reheat the dip in a covered container in either the microwave or oven.
FAQ
Yes! I would suggest prepping everything in the casserole dish and storing it in the refrigerator, wrapped, until you are ready to bake it.
Given the amount of dairy in this recipe, I would not recommend freezing it.
At only 1 carb per serving, this recipe would be considered low carb. To keep it that way, I would recommend serving this with vegetables instead of crackers.
Other Crab Dishes
If you can’t get enough crab recipes, try some of these, they are fantastic!
- Crab Cakes: These are easy to make and are the perfect delicious appetizer.
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: Your guests will love this delicious appetizer. They are the perfect bites of deliciousness.
- Crab Stuffed Salmon: If you want to impress with a gorgeous but delicious dinner, this is the recipe for you!
If you make this crab dip recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Hot Crab Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened (227 grams)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (56.5 grams)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (113.5 grams)
- 12 ounces lump crab meat see note (340.2 grams)
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese or cheddar cheese (56.5 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 1 quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, crab meat, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and 1/2 cup of the cheese.8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 12 ounces lump crab meat, 3 green onions, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese 1 cup cheese.1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble. Serve with bagel chips, crackers, and cut up vegetables.
Notes
Holly says
Took Crab Dip to a Pot Luck and everyone loved it. I used imitation crab and it was still good!
I’m so happy you liked it, Holly. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know!
Cate Fitzgerald says
I made this crab dip and everyone loved it except for the amount of onions. I think I would cut it down to one onion and chop it into very small pieces instead of slicing it or leave it out all together.
I’m glad you like it! (Despite the onions)
Michelle says
I love this recipe it was easy to make and it was delicious
I’m so glad you liked it, Michelle!
Jeanne says
Can you use canned crab meat?
Dianne says
I will make this crab dip for Friday night get together 12/9/22. Looking forward to trying it sounds delicious.
I hoe everyone enjoys it!
Shelly says
Would this work in a crockpot?
Most likely, yes. Though the melted cheese on top might not be as great.
Debra Mays says
Looking forward to trying some recipes. I am burnt out eating the same old food
I hope you enjoy them!
Sheryl Ingram says
If I use imitation crab meat, how much
Do I use? 12 ounces?
Correct!