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Crab Dip Recipe

Easy Crab Dip Recipe

This creamy crab dip recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. The combination of fresh lump crab meat, cream cheese, and bold seasonings creates an irresistible hot dip that guests absolutely love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Coastal
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature for easy mixing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
Seasonings
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt taste crab first, as some varieties are saltier
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 lemon lemon juice juiced
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce adjust to your heat preference
Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided (use 3/4 cup in mixture, 1/4 for topping)
  • 1 lb fresh jumbo lump crab meat

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and fluffy.
  3. Mix in wet ingredients including mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Add seasonings including minced garlic, green onions, Old Bay, salt, and hot sauce.
  5. Fold in cheese using 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar, mixing until combined.
  6. Gently fold crab meat into the mixture, being careful not to break up the lumps.
  7. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly, then top with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • Check crab for shells by gently running your fingers through the meat before mixing
  • Don't overmix the crab to preserve those beautiful, tender lumps
  • Room temperature cream cheese prevents lumpy texture issues
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors better than bottled versions
  • Taste before adding salt since some crab varieties are naturally saltier
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty sourdough bread, butter crackers, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices.
Storage: Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead, then baked when ready to serve. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.