Baked Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese is a creamy seafood appetizer made with lump crab meat, rich cheeses, and classic seafood seasonings. Sweet crab meat is folded into a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, white cheddar, fresh lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning, then baked until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
If you enjoy seafood appetizers for entertaining, be sure to check out our Shrimp Cocktail Platter, Crispy Rice with Shrimp, or these Shrimp in a Blanket.
Hot Crab Dip Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 8
- 🔥 Cook Method: Baked
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): American Seafood Appetizer
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Ritz crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We like serving this baked crab dip in a warm casserole dish surrounded by toasted baguette slices and fresh vegetables. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Loaded With Lump Crab: Large pieces of crab stay intact throughout the dip, giving every bite plenty of seafood flavor.
- Creamy Yet Balanced: Cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream create a smooth texture while lemon juice and hot sauce keep the dip from feeling overly rich.
- Perfect For Entertaining: The entire recipe comes together quickly and can be baked just before guests arrive.
- Easy To Make Ahead: Assemble the dip earlier in the day and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Key Ingredients
This creamy crab dip uses simple ingredients that work together to highlight the sweet flavor of lump crab meat while creating a rich, scoopable texture.
- Lump Crab Meat: We recommend lump crab meat because it provides large, tender pieces and a naturally sweet flavor. Gently pick through the crab meat before mixing to remove any small shell fragments.
- Cream Cheese: Softened Philadelphia cream cheese creates the rich foundation of the dip and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth restaurant-style texture and keeps the dip creamy as it bakes.
- Sour Cream: Contributes a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully while adding a mild sharpness that complements the crab instead of overpowering it.
- Green Onions: Bring a mild onion flavor and a fresh finish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth without making the dip taste overly seasoned.
- Louisiana-Style Hot Sauce: Provides gentle heat that enhances the seafood flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip and balances the creamy ingredients.
- Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood seasoning that gives this baked crab dip its signature flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Lump Crab Meat: Jumbo lump crab can be used for larger pieces, while claw meat provides a more budget-friendly option.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Substitute Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or mild cheddar if preferred.
- Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
- Diet: Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips instead of crackers.
- Flavor: Add a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for a deeper flavor.
- Spice: Increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Individual Servings: Bake the dip in small ramekins for an elegant party presentation.
How To Make Baked Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
STEP ONE: Prepare the Creamy Base
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, green onion whites, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon, Old Bay, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
STEP TWO: Fold in the Crab
Gently fold the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Take care not to break apart the crab too much so you keep some larger pieces throughout the dip.
STEP THREE: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with the remaining white cheddar cheese and a light dusting of paprika.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. For additional color, place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
Sprinkle with the remaining sliced green onion and serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
✔️DO Fold the crab meat gently to keep larger chunks throughout the dip.
❌DO NOT Overbake the dip or the crab can become dry.
❌DO NOT Use pre-shredded cheese if possible since freshly shredded cheese melts better.
Storage
Store leftover hot crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. While technically safe to freeze, the dairy ingredients can separate slightly after thawing, so we recommend enjoying it fresh. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.
Hot Crab Dip Recipe FAQs
Yes. Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
Lump crab meat is the most popular choice because it provides large, tender pieces and a sweet flavor. Jumbo lump crab works well for special occasions, while claw meat is a more economical option.
Yes, but this recipe is designed to be served warm. Baking creates a creamy texture and allows the cheese flavors to fully develop.
Excess moisture can come from poorly drained crab meat or low-fat dairy products. Make sure the crab is well-drained and use full-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for the best consistency.
More Crab Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Baked Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small baking dish or 1-quart casserole dish
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
For the Crab Dip
- 1 pound lump crab meat picked over for shells
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 to 2 green onions thinly sliced (whites only)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
For the Topping
- ¾ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- remaining green onions (thinly sliced)
- Light sprinkle of paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish or 1-quart casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup shredded white cheddar, sliced green onion (whites only), Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and several cracks of black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Gently fold the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture until distributed throughout the dip. Use a rubber spatula and fold carefully to keep the crab meat in larger pieces for the best texture and presentation.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¾ cup white cheddar cheese and a light dusting of paprika.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Top with the remaining green onions and serve warm.
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Notes
- Fold the crab meat gently to keep larger chunks throughout the dip.
- Use softened cream cheese so the mixture blends smoothly.
- If the top begins browning too quickly before the dip is fully heated through, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
- Let the dip rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving so it sets properly.
Jami Powell says
This baked crab dip is so delicious and perfect for special occasions!