Cheesy Crab Dip a delectable dish made with a combination of cream cheese, crab meat, and various other ingredients blended together to create a flavorful dip. This Cajun crab dip can be served hot or cold and is typically accompanied by crackers, chips, or bread.
One of the best things about crab dip is it’s simple to make, even inexperienced bakers can whip up a batch easily. This easy crab dip is so versatile, some people choose to add additional spices or ingredients to enhance the flavor.
The BEST Crab Dip Recipe
Crab Dip is a popular appetizer that is made with a combination of crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings. The ingredients are mixed together and baked until the dip is hot and bubbly. It is typically served with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping. The dip can be made with either fresh or canned crab meat, whatever you have on hand or prefer. The cream cheese gives the dip a rich consistency, while the seasonings add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Cheesy Crab Dip is a dish that can be served at a variety of events, from casual gatherings to parties. It is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress guests with its delicious flavor and creamy texture. Additionally, it is easy to make and prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. Overall, Cheesy Crab Dip is a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
Why you should make Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
- Easy to Make: This recipe is very easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes. All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and bake it in the oven.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, jack and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy texture that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Versatile: This dip can be served with a variety of dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. It is perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion where you want to serve a delicious appetizer.
- Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is always a hit with guests and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It is a great option for entertaining or bringing to a potluck.
Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients
Cream cheese: You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, this is half of one brick.
Mayonnaise: Use ½ cup of mayo to make this dip creamy and thin enough to dip crackers in without them breaking.
Lemon juice: Adding in 1 TBSP of lemon juice will add a burst of freshness to this dip making it taste light and refreshing.
Old bay seasoning: You will need 1 tsp. of old bay seasoning to help highlight the crab meat and bring in more of a seafood flavor.
Pepper: Use ½ tsp. of ground pepper to help season this dip well.
Tabasco sauce: To kick this dip up a notch, go ahead and add in a dash (or more) of Tabasco sauce. Adjust to fit your taste.
Crabmeat: You need one 6-ounce can of crab meat, drained, so there is plenty of meat throughout this dip. You’ll find canned crab near the canned tuna and canned shrimp in your grocery store.
Cheeses: Use grated cheddar jack cheese and shredded parmesan cheese (½ cup of each) to make this dip cheesy and have a wonderful depth of flavor.
Crispy onions: Adding ¼ cup of crispy fried onions over the top of the crab dip before it bakes will give it a wonderful texture and color.
How to make Easy Cheesy Crab Dip
Prep
Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.
Make Dip
Next, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until it’s smooth. Using an electric handheld mixer makes this step very easy, if you have one.
Then stir in the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, and hot sauce, until fully combined.
After that, add in the (drained) crab meat and the remaining cheese (reserving 1 TBSP of parmesan cheese for the topping).
Bake
Place the dip in the preheated oven for 25 minutes before removing from the oven and topping it with parmesan cheese and crispy onions.
Return the dip to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the onions are slightly browned.
Serve
Serve this savory dip with cubed fresh bread or crackers. Eat immediately and enjoy!
Possible Variations for Cheesy Crab Dip
Vegan Version: For those who prefer a vegan option, this Cheesy Crab Dip can be easily modified by substituting the crab meat with a plant-based alternative such as hearts of palm or artichoke hearts. The vegan version of the dip can be made using vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and vegan shredded cheese. Nutritional yeast can also be added to the dip to give it a cheesy flavor.
Spicy Version: For those who like a little kick to their dip, a spicy version of the Cheesy Crab Dip can be made by adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Jalapeños or other hot peppers can also be added to the dip to give it some heat.
Cheesy Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 4 oz Cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 TBSP Lemon juice
- 1 tsp OLD BAY® Seasoning
- ½ tsp Ground pepper
- 1 Dash TABASCO® Sauce
- 6 oz Can of crab meat drained
- ½ cup Cheddar Jack cheese grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Crispy onions
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Make Dip: Whisk together cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, seasoning, pepper and hot sauce.
- Add in crab meat and remaining cheese, saving 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to top dip with.
- Bake: Bake dip for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and top with remaining Parmesan cheese and crispy onions.
- Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and onions are slightly browned.
- Serve: Serve with cubed fresh bread and/or crackers. Eat immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How to make Crab Dip In a Bread Bowl
For added fun, you can make this dip and bake it right into a bread bowl. This can add to your presentation and since the bowl is edible it can save you some dirty dishes later too. To do this, simply hollow out the center of a round loaf of bread but leave a 1-inch thick wall around the inside edges, this will keep the dip from breaking the bread and leaking out as it bakes. Then fill the bread with your dip and bake as directed before serving. Pro Tip: Save the bread you removed as bread to use for dipping.
What to Serve with Warm Crab Dip
What goes with crab dip? Lots of things! Part of the beauty of this cheesy dip is that the flavors are perfect for just about anything. From cracks to fresh veggies, you’ll never run out of ideas. Some of our favorite things to serve alongside this dip include fresh cubed bread like a baguette or sourdough bread, crackers (Ritz, Wheat thins, Triscuits), Tortilla chips, and fresh-cut veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and celery sticks.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Homemade Crab Dip
When it comes to storing Cheesy Crab Dip, it is important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the dip from drying out and keep it fresh for longer. It is recommended to consume the dip within 3-4 days of making it.
If you have leftovers that you want to reheat, it is important to do so properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. The best way to reheat Cheesy Crab Dip is in the microwave or on the stovetop. When reheating in the microwave, it is recommended to stir the dip every 30 seconds to ensure that it heats evenly. When reheating on the stovetop, it is important to use low heat and stir frequently to prevent the dip from burning.
It is important to note that Cheesy Crab Dip should not be reheated more than once. Repeated reheating can cause the dip to lose its texture and flavor. If you have a large batch of dip that you know you won’t be able to finish within a few days, it is recommended to freeze it for later use. When freezing, it is important to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. The dip can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How can I prevent my crab dip from becoming runny?
One of the most common problems people encounter when making crab dip is that it can become runny. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to drain the crab meat well and to avoid adding too much liquid to the dip. Additionally, using a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch can help to keep the dip from becoming too thin. Finally, be sure to bake the dip until it is hot and bubbly, as this will help to thicken it up.
What are some recipes for crab dip that don’t use cream cheese?
While cream cheese is a popular ingredient in crab dip recipes, there are plenty of other options out there if you’re looking for something different. Some easy recipes for hot crab dip that don’t use cream cheese include a spinach and artichoke crab dip made with sour cream and mayonnaise, a crab dip made with ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese, and a crab dip made with goat cheese and feta cheese. Each of these recipes provides a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.
Check out these other great Appetizer Recipes!
- GREEN CHILE BEAN DIP
- EASY FRIED CHEESE STRAWS
- VELVEETA SAUSAGE QUESO DIP
- CAPRESE POPS
- EASY RANCH SAUSAGE ROLLS
- CHEESY PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREE
- REINDEER CHRISTMAS CHEESEBALL
- CHEESY BISCUIT WREATH
- EASY BIG MAC BITES
- MEATLOAF CUPCAKES
- PEANUT BUTTER APPLE DIP
- RANCH CHICKEN CHEESE DIP
Cheesy Crab Dip a flavorful dip that is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties or a cozy day at home watching the game. This Cajun crab dip is made with crab meat, old bay seasoning, and 3 types of cheese!
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