Hot Crab Dip
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Cheesy Hot Crab Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that blends luscious cheeses, tender crab meat, and bold seasonings. Perfect for any gathering or party!
This warm dip delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors, from the creaminess of melted cheese to the briny sweetness of crab. Whether served with toasted baguette slices or crackers, it’s bound to steal the spotlight.
Star Ingredients That Make Cheesy Hot Crab Dip Irresistible
- Lump crab meat – Provides a tender, sweet, and slightly briny base for the dip.
- Cream cheese – Adds smoothness and a rich, velvety texture to bind all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Contributes sharpness and gooey melted goodness; used both in the mixture and on top.
- Sour cream – Enhances tanginess and helps create a creamy consistency.
- Mayonnaise – Rounds out the flavors with added richness.
- Old Bay Seasoning – Elevates the dish with its iconic blend of herbs and spices, perfect for seafood.
- Green onions – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor to balance the richness.
Easy Steps to Prepare This Creamy Dip
- Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it nice and toasty.
- Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay, garlic powder, and seasoned salt until creamy and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, green onions, and half the shredded cheddar.
- Spread the mixture into a small baking dish, and top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the cheese on top is fully melted.
- Serve warm with slices of toasted baguette or crackers for dipping.
Recipe Tips for Guaranteed Success
To achieve the best results, opt for fresh lump crab meat whenever possible for its superior flavor and texture. If you’re using canned or imitation crab, be sure to drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
For a fluffy and scoopable dip, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese mixture until light and airy.
For a crispy topping variation, add a breadcrumb mixture made from Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Crab Dip
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short intervals until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy nature of the dip, which may cause the texture to separate upon thawing.
This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is a must-make for your next party, holiday gathering, or cozy evening at home. Its creamy texture and bold flavors are sure to leave your guests coming back for more!
Hot Crab Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- Sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay Seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Carefully fold in the lump crab meat, green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the crab mixture into a baking dish approximately 1 to 1 ½ quarts in size (such as an 8×8-inch dish). Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is bubbly.
- Serve hot alongside toasted slices of baguette.
Notes
- Opt for lump crab meat when possible for the best flavor and texture. However, canned or imitation crab can be used as substitutes.
- Using a hand mixer ensures the cream cheese mixture stays fluffy, making the dip easier to scoop.
- For a crunchy topping alternative, combine ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture over the dip before baking.