Name: Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; ½ teaspoon hot sauce; 1 pound fresh lump crab meat; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided into ½ cup each); ¼ cup finely chopped chives, plus more for garnish

Jump to Recipe·4 from 39 reviews

If you’re searching for that dazzling party starter or the perfect cozy snack, look no further than this Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavors from fresh lump crab to a hint of Old Bay seasoning, this dip delivers an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re whipping it up for game day, a family get-together, or an easy appetizer, this crowd-pleaser turns simple ingredients into a luscious treat that feels anything but ordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with four layers of ingredients. The first layer is a smooth, creamy white mixture coating the bottom and sides of the bowl. On top of this base, bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese rests on the right side, vibrant green chopped chives pile up on the left side, and in the center, there are flakes and pieces of white crab meat with a few light brown edges. The ingredients are unmixed, showing distinct colors and textures in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe lies in its simplicity, showcasing fresh lump crab alongside creamy bases and bold seasonings to create a harmonious bite. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the richness, subtle tang, or vibrant hints in every spoonful.

8 ounces cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy blending and luscious creaminess.
¼ cup sour cream: Adds a smooth tang that balances the richness perfectly.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Brings a silky texture and mild flavor that melds everything together.
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning: Infuses a classic savory seafood spice mix that complements the crab.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Delivers savory depth and a touch of umami magic.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Brightens the dip with fresh acidity that livens up every bite.
½ teaspoon hot sauce: A subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overwhelming.
1 pound fresh lump crab meat: The star ingredient that provides sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Split evenly to melt within and crown the top with golden, melty goodness.
¼ cup finely chopped chives: Adds gentle oniony freshness and a splash of green color.

How to Make Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

Start by making sure your cream cheese is softened — this is key for a smooth, lump-free mixture. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend until everything is silky and uniform, setting the stage for the star crab flavor to shine through.

Step 2: Fold in the Crab and Cheese

Gently fold the fresh lump crab meat into your creamy base, careful not to break up those lovely chunks. Then stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with the chopped chives. This gives the dip layers of flavor and texture—the melty cheddar adding richness and the chives lending just the right fresh bite.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your dip mixture into a 9-inch round baking dish, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Once it’s hot, bubbly, and irresistible, it’s ready to dazzle your guests.

How to Serve Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe

A white oval dish filled with a thick layer of creamy baked dip topped with melted golden-yellow cheese and sprinkled with small green chopped herbs, likely chives. A woman's hand is holding a light brown, rectangular cracker dipped in the cheesy mixture, with strings of melted cheese stretching from the dish to the cracker. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth underneath, and in the background, there are white bowls containing green vegetables and more chopped herbs slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives on top brightens the look and adds a pop of mild onion flavor that ties all the flavors together. It’s a simple touch that elevates this dish visually and taste-wise, making each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Crunchy crackers, grain-free flatbreads, or even crisp sliced veggies like cucumber and bell peppers all provide contrasting textures that complement the creamy crab mixture. It’s always fun to offer a mix so everyone can build their perfect bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the crab dip in individual ramekins or mini bread bowls. You can also use a hollowed-out round of rustic bread as an edible dip bowl for an impressive centerpiece that’s guaranteed to turn heads at your gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dip will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining its flavor as long as it stays cold to prevent any dairy spoilage.

Freezing

Because of the creamy dairy base, freezing the Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe isn’t recommended. Freezing can change the texture, causing it to separate or become grainy upon thawing, which takes away from that silky, luscious consistency everyone loves.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dip and warm it gently in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s hot all the way through. This method helps revive the baked crust and keeps the inside creamy and smooth. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make the dip unevenly warm or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh lump crab?

Absolutely! While fresh lump crab meat offers the best texture and sweetness, good-quality canned crab can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.

Is this crab dip spicy?

The dip has a gentle kick thanks to the hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce without losing the overall great flavor.

Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Yes! You can mix the ingredients up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold start.

What are some good dippers for this crab dip?

Classic crackers, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers all pair wonderfully. For gluten-free options, try grain-free flatbreads or seed crackers to keep everyone happy.

Can I make this dip dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar, so making it dairy-free would require significant tweaks. You could experiment with dairy-free cream cheeses and mayonnaise alternatives, but expect some differences in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe that makes any gathering feel more festive and welcoming. Easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those special moments. Give it a try and watch as your friends and family rave about your incredible appetizer skills—this crab dip truly is a delicious crowd-pleaser worth sharing!

Ultimate Crab Dip Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need