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Home » Recipes » Appetizers

by Traci · Published: 01/20/2023 · Updated: 01/20/2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Hot Crab Dip Recipe

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5 from 13 votes
35 minutes

Everyone loves hot crab dip! It's creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Make this super easy crab dip recipe for game day and holidays – and watch it disappear!

crostini is dipped in hot crab dip with stretchy cheese
Table of Contents hide
1) Why you'll love this crab dip recipe
2) Ingredient notes
3) How to make hot crab dip
4) What crab meat can I use?
5) How to season crab dip?
6) Can I make this recipe ahead?
7) Can I make crab dip in a crockpot?
8) Can I serve crab dip cold?
9) What can I use for dipping?
10) Storage instructions
11) Recipe tips
12) Recipe variations
13) More party dip recipes
14) Hot Crab Dip Recipe

Why you'll love this crab dip recipe

  1. Once you have crab meat, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients for this recipe.
  2. Hot crab dip sounds fancy but it's simple. Just combine ingredients and bake!
  3. You can use various crab meat varieties that won't break your wallet.
  4. There are multiple seasoning options and you can make it as spicy or mild as you like!
  5. This simple recipe can be made-ahead or last minute.
  6. Use your oven or Crockpot to make this recipe.

Ingredient notes

Ingredients amounts are listed in the printable recipe below.

  • cream cheese - The softer it is, the smoother your dip will turn out.
  • mayonnaise - Use your favorite mayo for this recipe.
  • sour cream - Greek yogurt can be substituted in equal amounts.
  • fresh lemon - Use the zest and juice for essential lemon flavor.
  • seafood seasoning - Use Old Bay or Cajun seasoning.
  • lump crab meat - This is fully cooked and ready to use. I've included a few options in the section below titled What crab meat can I use?
  • shredded mozzarella cheese - This makes the dip stretchy.
  • grated Parmesan cheese - This adds so much flavor and texture to this cheesy dip.
  • green onions - or fresh chives
crab dip recipe ingredients labeled in glass bowls

How to make hot crab dip

Enjoy these step-by-step photo instructions or skip to the recipe tips and printable recipe below.

Step 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking dish. Blend softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and seasoning until well-combined.

crab dip recipe ingredients in glass mixing bowl
hand mixer blend crab dip recipe ingredients in glass mixing bowl

Step 2. Fold in crab meat, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and green onions. Spread this mixture evenly in baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and green onions over the surface.

spatula folds crab dip recipe ingredients together in glass mixing bowl
unbaked crab dip ingredients in black baking dish

Step 3. Bake 25 minutes uncovered until the top is browned and bubbly. Rest the hot dip at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then serve and devour!

crostini is dipped in hot crab dip with stretchy cheese

What crab meat can I use?

There are many varieties of pre-cooked crab meat. Lump crab meat, including super and jumbo lump, is known for quality due to its texture, flavor, and appearance. Canned white crab and crab meat claw are more economical – both are flavor-packed and work great for this hot crab dip recipe.

In case you're wondering, imitation crab isn't really crab, but can be used for this recipe in equal amounts. If you're fancy, king crab legs or dungeness crab would be incredibly delicious, but unreasonably priced for a hot dip recipe.

How to season crab dip?

I recommend any seafood seasoning such as Old Bay, Creole, or Cajun seasoning for hot crab dip. But, if you don't have these on hand, you can make your own from your spice rack or use modest amounts of smoked paprika, hot paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes. Make the crab dip mixture per recipe instructions, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. To serve, let the dip rest at room temperature at least 30 minutes to remove the chill, then proceed with baking instructions.

Can I make crab dip in a crockpot?

Yes! Simply follow the recipe but, instead of baking it, slow cook it on HIGH heat setting for 1 hour or LOW heat setting for 3-4 hours, stirring as needed. You can serve it right from the cooker – just like this Crockpot spinach artichoke dip.

Can I serve crab dip cold?

You can, but know that cream cheese solidifies when chilled, which makes it harder to scoop, especially with delicate chips or crackers. Baked, aka hot crab dip is fluffy, creamy, cheesy, scoop-able, and melts in your mouth.

What can I use for dipping?

Hot crab dip is delicious with homemade crostini, crackers, soft French bread, potato chips, flat bread, pretzels, or vegetables.

crostini is dipped in hot crab dip with stretchy cheese

Storage instructions

Allow hot crab dip to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. To freeze, store in freezer-safe packaging up to 90 days. To thaw, transfer frozen dip to the refrigerator for an overnight stay. It's ready to heat and serve.

Recipe tips

  • Drain crab meat thoroughly because excess moisture can make the dip watery. Creamy, cheesy, fluffy crab dip is the goal.
  • It's important to soften cream cheese to room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy hot crab dip.
  • Since you only need the zest and juice of a lemon half, cut the other half into wedges for serving.
  • This recipe doesn't require salt because there is ample sodium in the ingredients. You're welcome to add salt at your discretion before baking.

Recipe variations

  • Make the ultimate seafood dip and add chopped raw shrimp to the mixture before baking. Remove excess moisture from seafood to prevent watery dip.
  • Add chopped artichoke hearts for extra texture and a Mediterranean flavor. Remove excess moisture from the hearts before using.
  • Feel free to use other cheeses such as Monterey jack or cheddar. These complement the delicious crab meat and add even more flavor.
  • Kick up the heat by adding a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or spicy mustard to the dip mixture before baking.

More party dip recipes

  • Warm Jalapeno Popper Dip
  • Easy Guacamole
  • Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip
  • 7 Layer Dip Recipe
crostini is dipped in hot crab dip with stretchy cheese

Hot Crab Dip Recipe

Everyone loves hot crab dip! It's creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Make this super easy crab dip recipe for game day and holidays – and watch it disappear!
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Sour Cream
  • ½ Lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Seafood Seasoning, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces Lump Crab Meat, drained (about 1 ¼ cup)
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, reserve ¼ cup
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 Green Onions, sliced, reserve 1 teaspoon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat an 8-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend CREAM CHEESE, MAYONNAISE, SOUR CREAM, LEMON JUICE, LEMON ZEST, and SEASONING until well-combined.
  • Fold in CRAB MEAT, MOZZARELLA, PARMESAN CHEESE, and GREEN ONIONS.
  • Spread this mixture evenly in baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and green onions over the surface.
  • Bake 25 minutes uncovered until the top is browned and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes.
  • Serve warm with crostini, crackers, French bread, potato chips, flat bread, pretzels, or vegetables.

RECIPE VIDEO

Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Traci's Recipe Notes

  • Drain crab meat thoroughly because excess moisture can make the dip watery. Creamy, cheesy, fluffy crab dip is the goal.
  • It's important to soften cream cheese to room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy hot crab dip.
  • Since you only need the zest and juice of a lemon half, cut the other half into wedges for serving.
  • This recipe doesn't require salt because there is sodium in the ingredients. You're welcome to add salt at your discretion before baking.
* For crab meat types, visit the blogpost section above titled 'What crab meat can I use?'

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • citrus squeezer
  • mixing bowl
  • electric hand mixer
  • silicone spatula
  • 8-inch baking dish

NUTRITION

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1315mg | Potassium: 322mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1336IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 664mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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Comments

  1. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    January 25, 2023 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    This was such a hit! Thank you for explaining the ingredients, can’t wait to make again!

    Reply
  2. Caroline says

    January 25, 2023 at 6:43 am

    5 stars
    Such a classic dip, and for good reason - I love how easy this is and lots of cheesy, yummy flavor.

    Reply
  3. Lily says

    January 25, 2023 at 6:37 am

    5 stars
    This was the perfect party appetizer. It was easy to make, and within half an hour completely gone. I am adding this to my favorites.

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    January 25, 2023 at 6:29 am

    5 stars
    Oh yum! You had me at creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Such a fantastic dip for celebrations and get togethers.

    Reply
  5. JB says

    January 21, 2023 at 6:40 am

    5 stars
    We made this for a party recently and it got demolished! It was so easy to put together and bake it at the party, so it was super fresh. Everyone loved it! Great recipe - highly recommend!!

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:08 am

      Yesss! So glad it was enjoyed by all 🙂 Thank you so much!

  6. Kushigalu says

    January 20, 2023 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    SO creamy and cheesy. Totally in love with this dip. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:06 am

      You're so welcome! Happy to hear it 🙂

  7. Julia says

    January 20, 2023 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious hot dip will become our favorite from now on!

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:07 am

      Yes!! It is def a favorite over here 🙂 So easy and cheesy! Thanks!

  8. cyndy says

    January 20, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for book club last night and it was such a hit! Next time I will double the recipe because it was the first thing gone on buffet table

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:07 am

      Lol that makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for the feedback 🙂

  9. Stephanie says

    January 20, 2023 at 12:54 pm

    5 stars
    I just can't get enough of this delicious dip! I'll definitely be making it often (and possibly not sharing!)

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:07 am

      It's easy to feel that way lol. Thanks so much!!

  10. Sandra says

    January 20, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    This crab dip looks jump off the page delicious! Going to make this for Super Bowl!! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 21, 2023 at 7:08 am

      Yay! Crab dip and Super Bowl just go together 🙂 Enjoy!!!

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