Creamy Hot Crab Dip Recipe

Introduction

This creamy hot crab dip is a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Packed with rich cream cheese, savory crab meat, and melted cheddar, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm alongside crackers or fresh veggies for an irresistible snack.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese (softened, about 1½ blocks)
• 6 green onions (finely chopped)
• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
• 2 cans crabmeat (6 ounces each, 12 ounces total, drained)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese or shredded mozzarella (divided)
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Crackers, chips, celery, or crostini (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, drained crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into a small 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
4. Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges.
5. Step 5: Switch your oven to the broiler and broil the dip until the cheese on top is browned in spots, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, as it will be very hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the mix.
• Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.
• Use lump crabmeat for a more luxurious texture, or canned crabmeat for convenience.
• Serve with assorted dippers like sliced bell peppers or toasted baguette slices for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have green onions?

You can substitute with finely chopped shallots or mild white onion. Alternatively, chives work well for a similar mild onion flavor.

Creamy Hot Crab Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 158 reviews

This Creamy Hot Crab Dip is a savory, cheesy appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Made with cream cheese, fresh crabmeat, green onions, and seasoned with garlic and salt, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a golden, flavorful crust. Serve it warm with crackers, chips, or crostini for an irresistible starter.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dip Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese (softened, about 1 ½ blocks)
• 6 green onions (finely chopped)
• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
• 2 (6-ounce) cans crabmeat (12 ounces total, drained)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or shredded mozzarella, divided)

For Serving

• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Crackers, chips, celery, or crostini

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° C) to prepare for baking the crab dip.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, mayonnaise, drained crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the crab mixture evenly into a small 6-inch cast iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly throughout.
5. Broil to Brown: After baking, turn the oven broiler on high and broil the dip just until the cheese on top is browned in spots, creating a delicious crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Cool Before Serving: Remove the hot crab dip from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the dip to thicken slightly and cool down to a safe serving temperature. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm with crackers, chips, celery sticks, or crostini.

Notes

• You can use either white cheddar or mozzarella cheese depending on your flavor preference.
• Make sure the crabmeat is drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
• Serving suggestions include a variety of crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted crostini for dipping.
• The dip can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.

Keywords: crab dip, hot crab dip, creamy crab dip, baked crab dip, appetizer, party snack, seafood appetizer