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Hot Crab Dip

Creamy hot crab dip with crispy cheese topping on rustic bread board

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This is a luxuriously creamy and cheesy baked dip featuring sweet lump crab meat. It's a perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties and game day, with a golden, bubbly cheese topping that is irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack), divided
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco), to taste, optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese, Parmesan, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased oven-safe baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbling at the edges.
  7. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 final minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with extra green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, prepare the dip (without the final cheese topping) up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking. Do not overmix the crab. Full-fat ingredients provide the best flavor and texture.

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