Creamy Hot Crab DipRecipe: Perfect Party Appetizer Recipe
This Creamy Hot Crab Dip is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, and a blend of creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, this warm dip is baked to bubbly perfection and served with crackers, bread, or veggies. Its savory garlic and mild lemon undertone enhance the sweet crab flavor, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked through for shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Crab and Seasonings: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the creamy mixture, being careful to keep the crab chunks intact. Then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the crab mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to form a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika if desired, alongside crackers, toasted bread cubes, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth texture.
- Carefully pick through crab meat to remove any shell fragments.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
- Serving the dip warm enhances the cheesy, melty experience.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
- Consider topping with crispy breadcrumbs or extra cheese for added texture before baking.
Keywords: crab dip, creamy crab dip, hot crab dip, party appetizer, seafood dip, baked crab dip, crab and cheese dip
