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My hot crab dip is one of those recipes you have to try. It’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistible. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but takes zero effort.
A Reader’s Review
Made this for Christmas dinner today! This recipe turned out so great! And much more cost effective using the canned meat! Thank you!
– Amanda
Tried, Tested, Devoured
- I’ve tested this recipe to perfection. No watery dip, no overly salty flavor, just creamy, cheesy goodness that works every time.
- I use only high-quality ingredients. I always reach for real lump crab meat, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and freshly shredded cheese.
- I’ve thought through the details for you. From make-ahead directions to reheating tips, I’ve tested every step so it works every time!
Hot Crab Dip Ingredients
- Crab: Be sure to buy lump crab meat, and not imitation crab meat. Use high-quality lump crab meat, drain it well, and check for shells. Fresh crab gives the richest flavor.
- Cheese: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents. Try smoked Gouda or Gruyère instead of cheddar for a deeper flavor.
- Spice it Up! For a little kick, mix in 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Adjust the Salt: Crab can vary in saltiness, so taste before seasoning.
How to Make Hot Crab Dip
This couldn’t be any easier. Just throw everything into a bowl, stir, then bake. Hot crab dip is so good, but so easy it’s almost crazy. If you are looking for more incredible dips, try my 5 Minute Dip[2], Ranch Dip[3], or this easy Rotel Dip[4]!
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F, and spray the inside of a 1- or 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then set aside. Combine the crab, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise[5], cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning[6], paprika, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl[7].
- Bake: Spread the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbling around the edges. Garnish with green onions or chives, and serve with a sliced baguette[8], tortilla chips[9], pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Small Crockpot Method: Use a 2-quart slow cooker on LOW for 1–2 hours, until hot and melted. Serve straight from the crockpot. Your dip will stay warm and melty for up to 2 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and spray the inside of a 1 to 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Combine 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a medium bowl.
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Gently stir in 16 ounces high-quality, well-drained lump crab meat until fully combined.
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Spread the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbling around the edges. Serve with a sliced baguette or tortilla chips.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 20-second increments or bake at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, until heated through. Do not freeze.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to a day in advance by mixing the dip and adding it to a greased baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dip.
Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 822mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 704IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 241mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Delicious Dips
References
- ^ disclosure policy (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ 5 Minute Dip (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Ranch Dip (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Rotel Dip (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ mayonnaise (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Old Bay seasoning (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ medium bowl (www.target.com)
- ^ baguette (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ tortilla chips (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Share on Pinterest (pinterest.com)
- ^ Creamy Chicken Alfredo Dip (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ White Spinach Queso (therecipecritic.com)
- ^ Queso Verde Corn Dip (therecipecritic.com)