Crab Dip – The Cookie Rookie®

Crap Dip is perfect for game day or dinner parties! This decadent baked dip features ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crab meat, and more. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and it’s ALWAYS a huge hit at parties. Make this easy appetizer today!

Hot Crab Dip

Out of all of my favorite easy appetizer recipes, this one definitely ranks in the top 5. Well, anytime I get to use a whole pound of crab meat in a recipe I know I’m going to love it! This baked dip is cheesy, creamy, decadent, and filled with the perfect amount of crab meat.

When I serve this hot Crab Dip at game day parties, potlucks, dinner parties, or any other occasion, it goes FAST. You may want to consider making a double batch or second serving if you’re serving it to a larger crowd.

You know when you just keep dipping chip after chip into an addictive dip and don’t even realize how much you’ve eaten? This is one of those dips!

Why You’ll Love this Crab Dip Recipe:

CRABBY: Calling all seafood lovers – you’re going to love this dip that features an entire pound of crab meat!
DECADENT: If a recipe calls for cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream, you know it’s going to be supremely decadent in the best way. Creamy, cheesy, and delectable!
QUICK: With just about 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, this easy recipe should only take you about half an hour or so from start to finish.

This easy hot dip recipe has me feeling crabby, but in the best way!

hot crab dip in a baking dish with pieces of bread dipped in

How to Make Crab Dip

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

Combine all of the ingredients except for the cheddar cheese and crab meat.
Fold in some of the cheddar cheese and all of the crab meat.
Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
Cover with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.

Game Day is covered!

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Game Day Guide

how to make crab dip step by step photo instructions

What is crab dip?

Crab dip is a thick, creamy, cheesy dip made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and lump crab meat.

What kind of crab should I use in crab dip?

I like to use lump crab meat, which is meat from the body of the crab. You can use fresh or frozen crab meat, but I do not recommend using imitation crab.

Should I serve crab dip hot or cold?

This particular dip is served hot, but you can also serve it cold. If you’d like to have it cold, simply don’t bake it!

What goes well with crab dip?

I love to pair this cheesy crab dip with crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, bread, or baguette slices. I recommend sticking with plain chips or crackers to not take away from the delicate crab flavor.

Can I make crab dip in a crockpot?

Absolutely! Place all of the ingredients in a crockpot set on low for 1-2 hours, until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this hot Crab Dip with crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, wonton chips, naan (or your favorite bread), or baguette slices.

If the price tag on a pound of fresh crab meat is a bit too hefty, fear not! You can always use canned crab meat and it’ll be just as tasty. Just remember to drain it well before folding it into the creamy dip mixture.

dipping a piece of bread into cheesy crab dip

close up on pieces of bread in hot crab dip

Make Ahead Instructions

You can assemble your crab dip up to 2 days ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or rewarmed in the microwave or oven. I do not recommend freezing crab dip.

Substitutions

I recommend using full-fat cream cheese, but you can also use low-fat.
In place of the sour cream, you can use plain or Greek yogurt.
Feel free to sub in your favorite shredded cheese, such as Colby or pepper Jack.
You can use fresh or canned crab meat.
For spicy crab dip, add a bit of hot sauce or diced canned jalapeños.

Tips for the Best Crab Dip

If using canned crab, make sure to drain it well.
Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
Take care not to overmix the dip; you want to have some lumps throughout.
I recommend using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts better.
To keep crab dip warm for a longer period of time, transfer it to a crockpot on low.

baked crab dip in a dish, surrounded by small pieces of dipping bread

A creamy, dense, decadent Crab Dip is baked to perfection under a topping of cheddar cheese and is served with crackers or other dippers of your choice. Trust me, this dip is always a party favorite that you’ll find yourself making time and time again!

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy!