Hey y’all! Ready to impress your friends and family with a creamy, gooey, and ultra-flavorful appetizer? This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is loaded with tender crab meat, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, making it the ultimate party starter—perfect for game days, holidays, or any occasion that calls for serious snack time. Trust me, once you taste this golden-baked delight, you’ll want it at every gathering! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Super easy to mix up and bake, with minimal prep required.
- Combines creamy and cheesy textures with real crab flavor in every bite.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast at any event.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses or spicy toppings.
- Great for make-ahead prep and easy reheating.
Cheesy Hot Crab Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or similar seafood seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: dash of hot sauce for extra heat
How to Make Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 1-quart baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer or vigorously whisk until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
To the creamy base, stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, green onions, and half of the parsley. Mix well.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Crab
Fold in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until well combined. Gently fold in the crab meat so as not to break up the pieces too much.
Step 5: Bake Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown at the edges.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley, and serve hot with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
Notes & Tips for the Best Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- If using canned crab, make sure to thoroughly drain and pick through for any small bits of shell. Learn more about selecting and preparing crab here.
- For extra creaminess, let your dairy ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overbake, as the dip can become dry—just bake until hot and lightly browned.
Cheesy Hot Crab Dip Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Crab Dip: Stir in 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños with the green onions for a spicy kick.
- Tex-Mex Crab Dip: Add 1/2 cup drained corn and a pinch of chili powder, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- Lighter Crab Dip: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light cream cheese.
Required Equipment for Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1-quart baking dish or 9-inch pie plate
- Rubber spatula
Storage Instructions for Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
Store leftover Cheesy Hot Crab Dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. For information on safe storage and reheating, check the FDA food code standards.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Serve hot with crispy crackers, baguette slices, toasted pita, or fresh veggie sticks.
- Pair with sparkling wine, crisp white wine, or light beer to balance the richness.
- Complement with a fresh green salad or citrusy slaw for a palate refresher.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and real crab flavor—here’s a guide to crab meat types.
- For that irresistible golden top, broil the dip for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken just slightly, making scooping easier.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
- Yes, imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, though the flavor and texture won’t be as authentic.
- Can this Cheesy Hot Crab Dip be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely—assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving.
- Is it safe to freeze Cheesy Hot Crab Dip?
- While you can freeze it, dairy-based dips can separate upon thawing, so for best texture, enjoy freshly made or refrigerated leftovers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked through for shells
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
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2In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
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3Stir in crab meat, cheddar cheese, green onions, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Gently fold together until evenly mixed.
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4Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
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5Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
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6Serve hot with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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