Hey there, friend! Welcome to my little corner of the internet, Delilita, where I share all my family’s favorite recipes. Today, we’re diving into one that’s always a crowd-pleaser: my famous crab dip recipe. I’ve been making this for years, ever since my sister-in-law, bless her heart, brought a similar version to our annual summer barbecue. It was gone in minutes! So, naturally, I had to recreate it and, well, put my own little Delilita spin on it.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, the first few times I tried to nail down this crab dip recipe, it was a bit of a disaster. Either it was too runny, too fishy, or just… blah. But after a lot of tweaking (and a few honest opinions from my very blunt family), I finally perfected it. And trust me, this hot crab dip recipe is worth the effort. My kids practically fight over the last scoop!
This crab dip recipe is one of those recipes that just fits perfectly into our busy family life. It’s quick to throw together, can be made ahead of time, and is always a hit at parties. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels a little fancy but is secretly super easy. I usually whip this up on Friday nights when we’re having a movie night. It feels like a little treat after a long week.
I believe that cooking should be joyful, not stressful, so I always aim to share recipes that are approachable and delicious. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this incredible crab dip recipe! I promise you’ll love it as much as my family does.
What You’ll Need for This crab dip recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for this amazing crab dip recipe. This is where the magic happens! Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference, so don’t skimp if you can help it.
Here’s what you’ll need for the best crab dip recipe ever:

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: I always use full-fat cream cheese; it just gives the crab dip recipe a richer, creamier texture. You can try using Neufchatel cheese for a slightly lighter version, but honestly, the full-fat stuff is worth it!
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Now, this is a point of contention in some families, but I swear by Hellmann’s. It has the perfect tang and doesn’t overpower the crab dip recipe. You can experiment with other brands, but that’s my go-to.
- ¼ cup sour cream: This adds a little extra tang and helps thin the dip out slightly. I sometimes substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist in my crab dip recipe.
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over: Okay, this is the star of the show, so get the good stuff! Lump crab meat is the sweetest and has the best texture for this crab dip recipe. I always buy it fresh from the seafood counter if I can.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite to the crab dip recipe. Feel free to use your favorite cheese here – Monterey Jack or Gruyere would also be delicious!
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: These add a pop of freshness and a little bit of oniony flavor to the crab dip recipe.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must! It brightens up the whole crab dip recipe and balances out the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds a little depth and umami flavor. Don’t skip it!
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: This is the secret ingredient that makes this crab dip recipe taste like it came straight from the coast.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for serving
When making crab dip recipe, you can usually find fresh crab meat at your local seafood market or even some larger grocery stores. If you’re short on time, canned crab meat will work in a pinch, but try to get the highest quality you can find.
Here’s a crab dip recipe trick I learned from my mom: If you’re using frozen crab meat, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dip. This will prevent the crab dip recipe from being watery.
For a cost-saving tip, consider buying canned crab meat when fresh isn’t available or affordable. Just be sure to drain it well.
To store leftover crab dip recipe ingredients, keep the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in the fridge. The crab meat should also be refrigerated and used within a day or two. Green onions can be stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part: making the crab dip recipe!
Let’s Make This crab dip recipe Together
Alright, friend, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry; this crab dip recipe is super simple, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re planning on making a cold crab dip, skip this step entirely. For cold crab dip, simply mix all the ingredients and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft, or you’ll end up with lumpy crab dip recipe. I usually leave mine out on the counter for about an hour before I start.
- Add the lump crab meat, cheddar cheese, green onions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the crab meat will break down. I learned the hard way with crab dip recipe that gentle is key here!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
- Transfer the crab dip mixture to a baking dish. I usually use an 8×8 inch square dish, but any oven-safe dish will work.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crab dip recipe is hot and bubbly. In my kitchen, crab dip recipe usually takes about 22 minutes, but ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it. Your crab dip recipe should smell like warm seafood and cheese – it’s heavenly!
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it’s better to let it cool for a few minutes, so you don’t burn your tongue.
While the crab dip recipe is baking, I usually chop up some veggies or slice a baguette to serve with it. I also like to set out a bowl of crackers for those who prefer them.
Don’t worry if your crab dip recipe looks a little uneven on top. That’s perfectly normal! The important thing is that it’s hot and bubbly throughout. I think the cheesy top adds a little texture and really gives it a great flavor. If you want to broil it for a minute or two, go right ahead.
And there you have it! Your very own homemade crab dip recipe. Wasn’t that easy? Now, let’s talk about how to serve it!
How I Love to Serve This crab dip recipe
Now that you’ve made this amazing crab dip recipe, let’s talk about how to serve it. This is where you can really get creative and make it your own.
My family loves this crab dip recipe when I serve it with a variety of dippers. We usually have a mix of crackers, baguette slices, and fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. The contrast of the creamy, rich dip with the crunchy veggies is just perfect.
This crab dip recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or even just a casual get-together with friends. It’s always a hit, no matter the occasion. I especially love making it for holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It feels festive and indulgent. I’ve also brought this to potlucks, and it is always the first thing to disappear!
For presentation, I like to serve the crab dip recipe in the baking dish it was cooked in. I think it looks rustic and inviting. I usually garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra green onions for a pop of color. For a really special touch, you can serve it in a bread bowl.
If you have extra crab dip recipe, don’t worry! It’s delicious cold, too. You can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a filling for stuffed celery. You can also store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It tastes great warmed up too!
For seasonal crab dip recipe variations, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat in the winter or some chopped fresh dill for a summery twist. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Friends always ask for this crab dip recipe recipe whenever I make it. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser! I often get requests to bring it to parties or potlucks. And honestly, I don’t mind at all because it’s so easy to make.
My daughter is partial to this easy crab dip spread over a toasted english muffin. I’ve linked a similar recipe for pumpkin cannoli cake roll for an equally impressive dish!
Your crab dip recipe Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this crab dip recipe. I’ve made it countless times, so I’ve definitely encountered a few hiccups along the way!
Q: Can I use imitation crab meat in this crab dip recipe?
Q: My crab dip recipe came out watery. What did I do wrong?
Q: Can I make this crab dip recipe ahead of time?
Q: Can I freeze this crab dip recipe?
Q: I don’t have Old Bay seasoning. Can I use something else?
Q: Can I make this a hot crab dip recipe in a slow cooker?
Q: My crab dip recipe is too thick. How can I thin it out?
My Final Thoughts on This crab dip recipe
Well, there you have it – my go-to crab dip recipe that’s been a hit at countless gatherings and family dinners. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of all the good times we’ve shared, gathered around a table, enjoying good food and even better company.
- Don’t overbake it: Overbaking will dry out the dip and make the crab meat tough.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the crab dip recipe will taste.
- Serve it with a variety of dippers: This will give your guests options and keep things interesting.
- Spicy crab dip recipe: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Cheesy crab dip recipe: Use a combination of different cheeses, like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
- Artichoke crab dip recipe: Add a can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, to the mix.

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crab dip recipe
This creamy and flavorful crab dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Made with real crab meat, cream cheese, and a blend of seasonings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pound lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Transfer the crab dip to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of sherry to the dip before baking. You can also broil the dip for the last few minutes to get a golden-brown crust.

