The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Hot Crab Dip
A creamy, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer bursting with the flavors of fresh crab, melted cheese, and zesty spices. Perfect for any occasion, Hot Crab Dip is your go-to dish for impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Juice of 1/2 medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat or claw meat
- 3 medium scallions, finely chopped
- 8 ounces (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 medium bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- Baguette slices, crackers, chips, or vegetables (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cut cream cheese into smaller pieces for quick melting.
- Juice the lemon until you have 1 tablespoon.
- Finely chop scallions and shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Soften Cream Cheese:
- Place cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals until softened (about 45 seconds).
- Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Add lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, dry mustard, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Incorporate Crab and Cheese:
- Drain crabmeat and remove any shell pieces.
- Gently fold crabmeat, scallions, and half of the shredded cheese into the creamy base using a spatula.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 2-quart baking dish or 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and cheese is melted.
- Optional Broiling:
- For a golden, crispy top, broil uncovered on high for 2–4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with baguette slices, crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor. If unavailable, high-quality canned crab works as a substitute.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the hot sauce amount.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate the unbaked dip for up to a day. Bake fresh before serving.