Hot Crab Dip Recipe – an easy and delicious cheesy dip that will be a hit and any party. A slightly spicy crab dip that is ready in minutes.
This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Appetizers are the best. In our house we can make a full meal out of our favorite appetizers and often do. And a warm, cheesy dip is one of the best ways to win my family over. This Baked Mexican Cheese Dip has been a staple in my husband’s side of the family for at least the last 30 years.
Whether it is the holiday season, with lots of parties happening. Or the middle of summer, and everyone is grilling out and having people over. Easy appetizers and snacks to serve at parties are a must! This hot crab dip recipe is a hit any time of year, and so is my Baked Goat Cheese Dip. Seriously cheese is pretty much the way to people heart.
Hot Crab Dip Ingredients
- Cream Cheese
- Mayo
- Sour Cream
- Parmesan Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Lump Crab Meat
- Lemon Juice
- Hot Sauce
- Salt & Pepper
- Green Onions
This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip has 3 kinds of cheese in it, so you know it is going to be good. It is creamy and so good with the lumps of crab meat in there. You can use fresh lump crab meat or canned crab meat, whatever you have, can find, and afford works great.
How to Make Hot Crab Dip
- Start by mixing together the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo together until it is well blended and smooth. You can use a mixer for this step if your cream cheese is not soft enough, but if you soften it first a spatula should work just fine.
- Next stir in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the crab meat. You don’t want to be too rough and turn your crab into mush, so use a spatula and just be nice as you mix it together.
- Spread the dip into a baking dish and then top with the rest of the cheese. Bake until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is golden.
- Once it is out of the oven you can garnish with a few green onions and then just let it cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve With Crab Dip
- Tortilla Chips
- Ritz Crackers
- Crostini
- Veggies
What Is Lump Crab Meat
You can find lump crab meat in a can. It is blend of broken pieces of jumbo lump and a special grade of crab meat. It is great in dips, salads, and thing like crab cakes.
Can I Use Fresh Crab Meat
Yep, you definitely can. It is usually more expensive, and not all stores carry it. You can usually find it in a plastic container in the meat and seafood area of the grocery store. It is already steamed and cooked for you, so you just need to break it up a little before adding it to a recipe.
What Can I Use Instead Of Crab
Many people want to make this dip, but for whatever reason don’t want to use crab. That is totally fine, there are a few other options you could try!
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Tuna
I have heard from one reader who used smoked salmon as well and loved it. So if you have a shellfish allergy, or want something more budget friendly, check out the above choices.
So whether you are getting ready for a holiday party or just need a delicious dip for the weekend. This Hot Crab Dip will be a huge hit! You can mix it up and have it in the fridge, so you just need to bake when it is ready to serve. Super easy and great to make ahead for parties.
More Great Dip Recipes
- White Queso Dip
- Hot Artichoke Dip
- Refried Bean Dip
- Easy Taco Dip
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip
- Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
- Cheddar Green Olive Dip
Hot Crab Dip
Hot Crab Dip - an easy and delicious cheesy dip that will be a hit and any party. A slightly spicy crab dip that is ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 Tbls lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, , for topping
- 1 Tbls sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large bowl mix together cream cheese, mayo and sour cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt and pepper until well combined. Fold in crab meat.
- Pour into a 1 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbly and hot.
- Remove from the oven and top with green onions.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crostini
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 271Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 92mgSodium 708mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 17g
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**This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
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Cathy says
I literally want to DIVE into this! Love the little kick of hot sauce!
Vikki says
Beautiful dip, the whole family loved it!
Sheila says
Can you use imitation crab meat?
Erin S says
Yes, you definitely can
Jen says
I could make a meal out of this dip! So cheesy and perfect!
Amanda says
I cannot get enough of this crab dip, everyone loved it as well!
Tisha says
This dip is not going to last at a get together! I can’t wait to make this, great idea for an appetizer!
Toni says
This dip was a huge hit at my house! Everyone’s requesting it now!
Kevin says
I love a good crab dip! Great for a lunch or snack at my house!
Cathy says
Literally SO addictive!!!
Tammy says
Can I omit the hot sauce?
Erin S says
Yep. It really doesn’t add any spice because their is so little of it, just more flavor. But you can definitely leave it out.
CarsineAmos says
Can this be served cold and can it be reheated
Erin S says
Yes, everything is fully cooked, so it can be eaten cold. Although it tastes better when the cheese is melted and warm. Yes, you can reheat to eat the leftovers. If you are trying to make ahead, I would just mix everything together and store in the fridge that way. And then just heat when you are ready to serve. But leftovers can be reheated no problem. Enjoy!
Amy Davis says
Can you substitute a different protein like shrimp for the crab? My husband isn’t big on crab, but I really want to try this!
Erin S says
Yep, you can definitely try it with shrimp. I would just make sure it is the pre-cooked shrimp that you add. Enjoy!
Kasey says
What size dish do you have in the picture? or brand?
*resubmitted so i get a notification via email if responded to
Erin S says
This is the dish used in the photos (the 24oz version) – https://amzn.to/3ARp1n6
Joyce says
Can u use chunk crab instead of lump crab
In the hot cheesy crab dip ?I dont know what the difference is
Erin S says
Yep, you can use just about any form of crab that you have. I think the different is just the part of the crab it is from and/or how big of pieces they are. But really anything works! Enjoy
Ajanae S says
Are you supposed to cover or cook uncovered?
Erin S says
Uncovered
Tina says
Hi can you substitute the crab for chicken
Erin S says
Yep
Anne says
Do u have to use lemon juice
Erin S says
You don’t have to, but it does enhance the flavor of the crab and brighten up the dish a little
Madelyn says
How far ahead of time can I make this up? Can I make it up the day before and leave it in the fridge until the next evening?
Erin S says
Yes, you can mix it up about 24 hours before you bake it to serve.
Valencia C. says
Would it be possible to do this in a crockpot?
Erin S says
Yes, once you have it mixed together you could put it on low for a couple of hours to get it hot instead of baking it.
Ron Collins says
Your thoughts on substituting lobster for the crab would be appreciated.
Erin S says
Lobster, crab or shrimp I think would all work really well as the protein in these puffs. I would just sub equal amounts and leave the rest of the recipe as is.
Sue says
How many people would this serve at a party with other appetizers? I need something for a small party (5 adults) and there will be other stuff too. Wondering if I should 1/2 the recipe. Also, 1 lb of crab–would that be 2 cans?
Erin S says
This serves about 8 people. So it depends on how much other stuff you are making if you want to make the whole thing or half. 1 pound of crab is 16 oz. It depends on the size of the cans your store sells, but you need it to total 16 oz for this recipe.
Alissa says
What kind of hot sauce
Erin S says
Whatever you have on hand, tabasco works, chulula, really whatever you have.
Margaret says
Hi Erin, can this crab dip be made ahead and frozen? thanks, sounds delicious
Erin S says
I don’t think I would freeze it, dairy products have a tendency to break down in the freezing and thawing process. It might work and be ok, but I haven’t tested it. It will last cold in the fridge for about 24 hours before baking though.
Margaret says
thank you
Mark Daigneau says
If I substitute shrimp, should the shrmp be precooked or raw?
Erin S says
You would want it cooked, just like the crab is cooked. You are really only heating it enough to melt and get the dish hot, not really cook anything. The frozen pre-cooked shrimp would be great, just thaw and pat it dry, chop it a little smaller and it would work great.
Debra F. says
Is it recommended to shred your own Parmesan or is the Kraft acceptable for this recipe?
Erin S says
You can use the pre-shredded stuff, I just recommend not the powdered grated stuff.