Print

Creamy Baked Crab Dip

creamy baked crab dip - featured image

This creamy baked crab dip is a crowd-pleasing party appetizer featuring sweet lump crab, a rich cream cheese base, and a bubbly, golden cheesy topping. Quick to prepare and always a hit, it’s perfect for gatherings, game nights, or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
  • 2 scallions, finely sliced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Crostini, crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position rack in the center.
  2. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave on low for 15 seconds.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, scallions, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Old Bay or lemon juice if desired.
  6. Spread mixture evenly in a greased 1-quart baking dish and smooth the top.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown. For a golden crust, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let dip cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra scallions if desired.
  10. Serve hot with crostini, crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality crab meat and drain thoroughly. Do not overmix to preserve crab chunks. The dip can be made ahead (without cheese topping) and refrigerated up to 24 hours; add cheese and bake before serving. For gluten-free, serve with GF crackers or veggies. Broil for a golden top, but watch closely. Double the recipe for larger crowds.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab dip, baked crab dip, party appetizer, creamy crab dip, cheesy crab dip, seafood dip, holiday appetizer, game day snack, gluten-free appetizer