The Best Hot Crab Dip Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy

There is something magical about the way a warm, bubbling dish of crab dip can turn a regular afternoon into a celebration. This recipe is a staple in my home—not just because it’s rich, creamy, and packed with fancy lump crab meat, but because of the way it brings everyone together.

From the moment the scent of Old Bay and toasted cheese starts wafting through the house, the kids start appearing in the kitchen with crackers in hand. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to feel a little “fancy” on a Friday night, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never lasts long on the table!

Ingredients You Will Need

• 8 ounces lump crab meat
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 fourth teaspoon salt
• 1 fourth teaspoon pepper

Step By Step Instructions

Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined (it’s perfectly fine if the bowl looks a bit messy at this stage!).

Fold in the Crab Meat

Gently fold the lump crab meat into the mixture. Take care not to break up the lumps too much; keeping those larger pieces intact adds a wonderful texture and a “fancy” touch to the final dish.

Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Bake Until Golden

Bake at 350°F until the dip is heated through and the top is lightly golden brown. You will know it’s ready when the aroma fills the room!

Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about one minute. It will be bubbling beautifully. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or sliced bread.

Meal Prep Tips

This dip is easy to make ahead when life gets busy and you just want something warm and good waiting for you. Here are a few simple ways to prep it without stress.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl the day before and place it in the fridge.
• Keep the mix in a baking dish covered with foil until you are ready to bake.
• Add a little extra cheese on top right before baking to make it look fresh.
• Use a meal prep container if you want to make smaller portions for quick snacks.
• Keep the crab meat cold until you mix it, because it stays fresh longer.
• Give the mix a small stir before baking if it looks a little uneven.

Storage Tips

This dip keeps well when you store it right. These tips help make sure it stays tasty and safe.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container once the dip cools down.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
• Warm it back up in the oven or microwave until it gets creamy again.
• Add a tiny splash of sour cream if it looks too thick after reheating.
• Avoid leaving it out on the counter too long during parties.
• Freeze only if needed, but the texture may change because crab and cheese get a little soft.

FAQs

Hot Crab Dip Recipe Card

Hot Crab Dip

This hot crab dip is warm, creamy, and easy for busy days. It tastes fancy but it is simple enough for weeknights. My kids call it the crabby cheese bowl and it always makes the house smell cozy. It works great for parties, game days, or nights when you just want a warm dip that feels comforting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces crab meat lump
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheese shredded
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 onions green sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

 

• Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, Old Bay, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. It might look messy and that is fine.
• Fold the crab meat in very gently. I try not to smash it because the big pieces feel kinda fancy.
• Scoop the mix into a small baking dish. My dish never matches anything in my kitchen but it still works.
• Bake at 350 degrees until the top turns a little golden and warm. The smell comes out fast and feels cozy.
• Let it rest for one minute before serving. It will still bubble like it is excited.
• Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. My kids always take the biggest scoops and pretend it was not them.

Notes

Tips

• Add extra shredded cheese on top before baking for a thicker layer.
• Use lump crab for the best texture.
• Stir the mix before baking if it looks uneven in the dish.
• Place it under the broiler for one minute if you want a darker golden top.
• Make two dishes if you have a hungry crowd because it goes fast.

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Variations

• Add a tiny splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Mix in chopped jalapenos for more spice.
• Use cheddar cheese instead of a melty blend for a stronger flavor.
• Add a spoon of mayonnaise for extra creamy texture.
• Swap the crab for shrimp if you want something different but still warm and cozy.

Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday spread or a game-day indulgence, this hot crab dip is more than just an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter. The combination of creamy textures, savory crab, and that perfectly golden crust makes it nearly impossible to stop at just one bite.

Be sure to serve it while it’s still bubbling and hot! Don’t be surprised when you find yourself scraping the bottom of the skillet for those last delicious, crispy bits of cheese.

This dip feels cozy with warm dip recipes when the house feels loud. It belongs with dip recipes hot and easy hot dip recipes because it is simple and warm. It also fits with simple dip recipes and dips and appetizers for parties easy because it never gives stress. It is one of my best party dips and it works great for family nights or small get togethers.

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