This Hot Crab Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with the delicate sweetness of crab. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, bubbly dip that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or crisp veggies. The rich, velvety texture pairs beautifully with the tender crab, while a hint of spice adds a satisfying kick. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy gatherings or game-day snacks.
Every bite is a harmony of flavors—savory, slightly briny, and irresistibly indulgent. With 15g of protein per serving, it’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve it hot, and watch it become the star of the table!
Essential Ingredients for Hot Crab Dip
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons minced green onions
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easier mixing)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, minced (substitute with dried dill if fresh is not available)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound crab meat (shelled lump crab meat recommended)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 10 ounces crackers or a baguette (for serving)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a small pan, heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons of minced green onions and sauté until softened, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the sautéed green onions, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ⅓ cup of sour cream, ⅓ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons of minced chives, 1 Tablespoon of minced dill, 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Gently fold in 1 pound of crab meat into the creamy mixture to keep the crab meat intact.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with ⅓ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices for dipping.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Hot Crab Dip
This creamy, cheesy Hot Crab Dip is a crowd-pleaser, and serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Try pairing it with sliced baguette, buttery crackers, or even pita chips for a satisfying crunch. For a fresh contrast, add a side of celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a small charcuterie board with cured meats and olives to complement the dip.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
This dip is perfect for prepping ahead! Store the unbaked mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before popping it in the oven. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture less creamy.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this dip to suit your taste! Swap out the crab for lobster meat or shrimp for a seafood twist. For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re short on fresh herbs, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill and 1 teaspoon dried chives. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like sharp cheddar or gruyère, for a richer flavor.
Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Prep
To save time, use pre-minced green onions and pre-shredded Parmesan cheese from the store. Soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving it in 10-second intervals until spreadable. If you’re using canned crab, drain it thoroughly to avoid a watery dip. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or extra fresh herbs before serving.
Hot Crab Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons minced green onions
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temp
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound crab meat, shelled lump crab meat
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 10 ounces crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small pan add olive oil and green onions. Sauté over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and then remove them from the heat.
- Beat together green onions, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, chives, dill, lemon juice, and salt until well combined and creamy. Fold in crab meat.
- Spread crab mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until lightly brown and cheese is melted on top.
- Serve with baguette or crackers.