How do I prevent my hot crab dip from being too runny?

To keep your hot crab dip thick and creamy, ensure all ingredients — especially the crab meat — are well-drained. Avoid over-measuring the sour cream and mayonnaise. Baking it until golden and bubbly also helps firm up the texture.

Can I use canned crab instead of lump crab meat?

Yes, canned crab can work as a substitute in hot crab dip, though it may lack the same sweet, delicate texture. If using canned crab, drain it thoroughly and opt for the highest quality available — claw meat or white crab meat are the best options.

Can I make hot crab dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the entire dip up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

What are the best dippers for hot crab dip?

Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, and crostini are classic choices. For a low-carb option, serve with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or celery sticks. The dip is sturdy enough to hold up to any of these without breaking apart.

Hot Crab Dip – Best Cheesy Seafood Appetizer

Name: Hot Crab Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and structure; 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Contributes tang and richness; 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides a slight tang and smooth texture; 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances flavors; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami depth; 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds sharp, tangy notes; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: Brings classic seafood spice; 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses mild savory flavor; 1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle depth; 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors; 1/4 tsp black pepper: Offers mild heat; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp cheesy taste; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture; 1 lb lump crab meat, drained: Sweet, tender seafood centerpiece; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and fresh color; Crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables: For serving and dipping

Description

Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked seafood appetizer made with lump crab meat, two types of cheese, and a blend of seasonings. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and structure
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Contributes tang and richness
1/4 cup sour cream: Provides a slight tang and smooth texture
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances flavors
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami depth
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds sharp, tangy notes
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: Brings classic seafood spice
1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses mild savory flavor
1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle depth
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors
1/4 tsp black pepper: Offers mild heat
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp cheesy taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture
1 lb lump crab meat, drained: Sweet, tender seafood centerpiece
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and fresh color
Crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables: For serving and dipping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe serving dish.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Fold in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and lump crab meat gently, keeping the crab meat chunky.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm with crackers or veggies.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
Drain crab meat well to avoid watery dip.
You can prepare the dip a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 portion
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg