This creamy and savory hot crab dip with a hint of spice and a touch of umami flavor is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Its rich and cheesy texture, paired with the delicate crab meat, makes it irresistible for guests at parties or casual get-togethers. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hot crab dip is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy ingredients with the savory taste of crab. It’s a fantastic blend of smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and a delicious kick from the cayenne pepper, giving your taste buds a unique experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this dish offers a rich, flavorful appetizer that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and serves a crowd, making it a go-to choice for gatherings!
Ingredients
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat, drained and flaked
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: hot sauce for extra heat
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
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Gently fold in the lump crab meat, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce at this stage.
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Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and golden on top.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool slightly before serving.
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Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Variations
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Spicy Crab Dip: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
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Cheese Variations: You can swap the mozzarella for other types of cheese like cheddar for a sharper flavor.
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute crab meat with artichoke hearts or spinach for a vegetarian take on this dip.
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Herb Infusion: Feel free to add more herbs such as chives or thyme for an additional burst of freshness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but the oven will help preserve its texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent the dip from being too watery?
Ensure the crab meat is well-drained before mixing it into the dip. Also, avoid using too much sour cream or mayonnaise, which can add excess moisture.
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat?
Yes, you can use imitation crab meat as a more affordable alternative. However, the flavor may not be as rich and authentic as using real lump crab meat.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This makes it an excellent make-ahead appetizer.
What should I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, or carrots for dipping.
Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze the dip, as cream cheese-based dips can separate and lose their texture after freezing.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute for sour cream, giving the dip a tangy twist.
Can I make this dip spicier?
To make the dip spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
How long should I bake the dip?
Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure your crackers or dipping bread are also gluten-free if you are serving it to someone with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Hot crab dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. With its creamy texture, flavorful crab meat, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a festive celebration. Whether you’re hosting or attending a party, this warm and savory dip is always a hit. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear!
Print
The BEST Hot Crab Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hot Crab Dip is a rich, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of spices, this cheesy dip is baked to golden perfection. With its savory flavor and comforting texture, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for parties, potlucks, or cozy get-togethers!
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat, drained and flaked
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: hot sauce for extra heat
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the dip base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
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Add crab and cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce.
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Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and golden on top.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dip cool slightly before serving. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Spicy Variation: Increase cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to spice things up.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer.
Vegetarian Version: Replace crab meat with artichoke hearts or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
