Crab Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese

Crab Dip is one of those appetizers I find myself craving, especially when it’s time to entertain or have friends over for a game night. It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of that wonderful crab flavor – truly a crowd-pleaser!

This version, with cream cheese as the base, is particularly delightful. It’s rich without being heavy, and the cream cheese provides the perfect backdrop for the delicate sweetness of the crab. It’s perfect for dipping, spread on crackers, or even just eaten with a spoon (I won’t judge!).

Recipe Overview: Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

This hot crab dip is essentially a warm, cheesy, baked dip, flavored primarily with succulent crab meat. It boasts a luxuriously creamy texture, thanks to the cream cheese, and has a lovely balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.

It’s fantastic served with a variety of dippers: think crusty bread, crisp vegetables like celery or carrots, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite crackers.

It’s a real showstopper at any gathering and it’s much easier to make than you might think. It’s quick, comforting, and always a hit.

I love to serve it during holidays, potlucks, or for any get-together. It will definately add an inviting appetizer to your table.

Detailed Ingredients for the Perfect Crab Dip

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer. Make sure it’s properly softened so it blends smoothly.
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup. This adds extra creaminess and a bit of tang. I like to use full-fat mayo.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup. Sour cream contributes to the tangy flavor profile and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Crab Meat: 8 ounces. You can use lump crab meat, backfin crab meat, or claw meat. Fresh is best, but canned crab meat (drained well) works too. Make sure to pick through it to remove any shell fragments.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. Sharp cheddar adds a nice, bold flavor. You could also use a blend of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. This provides a savory depth. You could also use fresh minced garlic (about 2 cloves).
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds another layer of savory flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. This classic seafood seasoning blend is essential! It typically includes celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon. This adds an umami kick.
• Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, for garnish (optional).
• Crackers, bread, or vegetables: For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Cream Cheese Crab Dip

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches or a similar-sized casserole dish).
2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat them together with an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk) until everything is smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. Flavor Infusion: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe a little more Old Bay if you like it extra flavorful!
4. Incorporate Cheese and Crab: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the crab meat. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some of the crab meat in larger pieces for texture.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the crab dip mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
6. Bake it!: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to burn.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Serve warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Variations & Tips for Your Crab Dip Recipe

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
• Add Some Veggies: Finely chopped green onions, red bell pepper, or even some spinach can be added for extra flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the dip (up to step 4) a day ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow steps 5, 6, and 7. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
• Storage: Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Or, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Serving suggestion: Try it with tortilla chips, pita bread, or even on top of baked potatoes.

Key Details

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Equipment you’ll need: Mixing bowl, electric mixer (or whisk), baking dish, measuring cups and spoons.

Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

This hot crab dip is a warm, cheesy, baked dip, flavored primarily with succulent crab meat. It boasts a luxuriously creamy texture, thanks to the cream cheese, and has a lovely balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. Perfect as an appetizer for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 9 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces crab meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Crackers bread, or vegetables, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well.
• Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the crab meat.
• Transfer the crab dip mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread into an even layer.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Serve warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables.