Name: The BEST Cheesy Crab Rangoon Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups crab meat, shredded (or imitation crab); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, chopped

A creamy, cheesy hot dip that captures all the flavors of crab rangoon in a shareable form. This indulgent appetizer combines real or imitation crab with a rich cheese blend, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need a special treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Crab Rangoon Dip brings together the beloved flavors of Chinese restaurant-style crab rangoon in an easy-to-make, shareable dip format. The combination of creamy cheese and delicate crab creates a rich, indulgent appetizer that’s always a hit at gatherings. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining, and versatile enough to enjoy with various dippers. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a special appetizer, this warm, bubbly dip delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese forms the rich, creamy base of this dip, providing that signature smooth texture that makes crab rangoon so irresistible. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Mayonnaise adds richness and helps create that perfectly creamy consistency. It also brings a subtle tanginess that balances the overall flavor profile.

Sour cream introduces a pleasant tang that lightens the dip and enhances its creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Crab meat is the star ingredient that gives this dip its distinctive flavor. You can use fresh lump crab meat for a more luxurious version, or imitation crab (surimi) for a budget-friendly option that still delivers great flavor.

Mozzarella cheese provides that wonderful stretchy, melty quality that creates perfect cheese pulls when serving the hot dip. Its mild flavor complements the crab without overwhelming it.

Cheddar cheese brings a sharper, more pronounced flavor that adds depth to the dip. The orange color also contributes to the dip’s appetizing golden appearance when baked.

Garlic infuses the dip with aromatic flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dip. They provide just the right amount of bite without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking dish (8×8 inches works great) with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded crab meat, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired.
Serve with crispy crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for a small gathering. Each serving contains about 250 calories. The dip takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, for a total time of 35 minutes from start to finish. You can easily double the recipe for larger crowds by using a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Variations

Spicy Crab Rangoon Dip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to give the dip a spicy kick.

Wonton Crisps Topping: For authentic crab rangoon flavor, cut wonton wrappers into triangles, spray with cooking oil, and bake until crisp. Serve alongside or crumble on top of the dip.

Baked Bread Bowl: Serve the dip in a hollowed-out round bread loaf for an impressive presentation. The bread can be torn and used for dipping.

Seafood Medley: Replace half the crab with cooked, chopped shrimp for a varied seafood dip.

Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to enhance the Asian flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead option.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat the dip in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Microwave reheating works in a pinch – use 50% power and stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh lump crab meat will give you the most authentic and luxurious flavor. Just be sure to pick through it carefully to remove any shell fragments. You can also use canned crab meat, which is more affordable than fresh while still providing better flavor than imitation crab.

What can I serve with Crab Rangoon Dip?

This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with wonton crisps, rice crackers, sturdy potato chips, toasted baguette slices, cucumber rounds, bell pepper slices, or celery sticks. For an authentic experience, serve with fried wonton strips.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make this dip lighter or healthier?

You can substitute light cream cheese, reduced-fat mayonnaise, and light sour cream to reduce calories. Greek yogurt can also replace some or all of the sour cream. Using fresh crab instead of imitation crab provides more protein and fewer additives.

My dip seems too thick. How can I fix it?

If your dip mixture seems too thick before baking, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and mix well to achieve your desired consistency. Remember that the dip will loosen slightly as it heats in the oven.

Can this dip be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and well combined. Keep it on the “warm” setting for serving at parties.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is generally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients, especially imitation crab which sometimes contains wheat. Serve with gluten-free dippers like vegetable sticks or gluten-free crackers.

How do I know when the dip is done baking?

The dip is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges, the top is golden brown, and the center is hot. If you’re unsure, insert a knife into the center – it should come out hot to the touch.

What can I do with leftover dip?

Leftover dip makes a delicious filling for omelettes, stuffed mushrooms, or twice-baked potatoes. You can also spread it on toast for a savory breakfast or use it as a filling for won ton wrappers to make actual crab rangoons.

Can I add other vegetables to this dip?

Certainly! Finely diced water chestnuts add a nice crunch, while finely chopped bell peppers or celery can add texture and freshness. Just be sure to chop additions finely so they incorporate well into the creamy mixture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Crab Rangoon Dip transforms the beloved flavors of classic crab rangoon into a warm, shareable appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. With its creamy, cheese-laden texture and delicate crab flavor, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a special appetizer for a celebration, this dip delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Make it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, or whip it up for a special family treat. Serve with your favorite dippers and watch it disappear before your eyes!