Hot Crab Dip
Hot crab dip is one of those appetizers that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, packed with tender crab meat, and has just the right amount of Old Bay seasoning.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, so it’s the perfect appetizer for potlucks, game day, holiday parties or any time you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready fast: This dip comes together in just 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Crab meat, cream cheese, and savory seasonings create a dip that wins over both picky eaters and seafood fans.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble hours in advance, then bake when guests arrive so you can spend more time enjoying the party.
- Versatile serving options: Pair with crackers, crusty bread, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies for a lighter bite that still feels indulgent.
You’ll find the ingredient list and step-by-step photos below, or you can scroll to the bottom of the post for the full printable recipe.
Hot Crab Dip Ingredients
- Crab Meat
- Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Minced Garlic
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Paprika
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Green Onion
How To Make Hot Crab Dip
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the green onion.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika until well combined. Next, add the crab meat.
Add the cheese and stir until everything is combined. Spoon the mixture into a shallow baking dish and spread it out. Top with the sliced green onions.
Bake for 20 minutes, until warm and bubbly.
Hot Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 6 oz can crab meat drained
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice the green onion.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika until well combined.
- Stir in the cheese and crab meat.
- Spoon the mixture into a shallow baking dish and spread it out. Top with the sliced green onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until warm and bubbly.
Hot Crab Dip Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen crab meat works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to pick through it carefully to remove any shell pieces, and drain it well if using frozen crab that’s been thawed.
How do I know when the dip is done baking?
The dip is ready when it’s heated through and bubbling around the edges. The top should be lightly golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out warm. If the top isn’t browning to your liking, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to serve hot crab dip?
This dip pairs perfectly with toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, or tortilla chips. For a lighter option, try serving it with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or other veggies.
Keep it warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting if serving at a party.
How should I store leftover crab dip?
Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole batch in the oven at 300 degrees until heated through.
Can I freeze this crab dip?
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dip. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise doesn’t freeze and thaw well, often resulting in a separated or grainy texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make it milder, reduce or omit the hot sauce. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce. You can also add finely diced jalapeños for extra kick.
