This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is a warm, gooey delight that you’ll love! It combines tasty crab meat with cream cheese and lots of cheese for a flavorful treat.
Perfect for parties, I always find myself coming back for seconds—it’s hard to resist! Serve it with crackers or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time. 🦀🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip, giving it that smooth and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a nice melty, cheesy consistency. Feel free to switch to your favorites, like gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick!
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess; however, you can substitute with sour cream or plain yogurt for a slightly different taste. Just remember, this could make the dip a bit tangier.
Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab meat is ideal for the best flavor. If it’s too pricey or you can’t find it, canned crab works too! Just make sure to drain it well and check for shells.
Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning really ramps up the flavor. If you don’t have it, any seafood seasoning blend can work, or a mix of paprika and celery salt.
How Do I Get the Dip Creamy and Well-Mixed?
The key to a smooth and creamy dip starts with mixing the cream cheese properly. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix all the ingredients in a bowl until fully combined. Scrape the sides to get everything mixed in well.
- Mix the base ingredients (cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and spices) until smooth.
- Gently fold in the cheeses and crab to retain their texture.
- This method prevents overmixing, which can break down the crab meat too much.
How to Make Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Paprika or cayenne pepper (for garnish)
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or sliced veggies for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, warm dip perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your dip will bake evenly and get nice and bubbly!
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. A hand mixer can help make this quicker if you have one!
3. Add the Cheeses:
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. You want to keep the mixture light and fluffy, so be careful not to overmix.
4. Incorporate the Crab:
Next, gently fold in the lump crab meat. Try not to break it up too much to keep that lovely crab texture in your dip.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe dip bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it even.
6. Bake the Dip:
Put the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top looks golden brown and bubbly!
7. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s ready, take it out of the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, and sprinkle some paprika or cayenne pepper on top for an extra pop of color and a slight kick.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the dip hot with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies. This cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Imitation Crab Instead of Lump Crab Meat?
Yes, you can definitely use imitation crab if you prefer! Just chop it up into small pieces before mixing it in. It’s a more affordable option and still tasty!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can mix everything together and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
For a spicier kick, you can add more hot sauce or mix in diced jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your taste preference!
