This Creamy Hot Crab Dip is the kind of crowd-pleasing, ooey-gooey appetizer that everyone will rave about. Brimming with sweet, tender crabmeat, a touch of green onion, and plenty of melty cheese, the Delicious Recipe comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting game night or setting out a holiday spread, you’re guaranteed to watch the bowl empty fast—just be sure you sneak a scoop before it’s all gone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Delicious Recipe is simple, but every single one plays a crucial role: the cream cheese lends luscious richness, the crabmeat adds briny sweetness, and the cheeses create a fantastic melty top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip a thing!
- Cream cheese (12 ounces, softened): This makes the base ultra-creamy and luxurious—let it soften fully for the smoothest texture.
- Green onions (6, finely chopped): Fresh, bright, and a little peppery, green onions cut through the richness for perfect flavor balance.
- Mayonnaise (5 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and, together with the cream cheese, delivers that signature silky dip texture.
- Canned crabmeat (12 ounces, drained): The star ingredient—opt for lump or claw meat for best results; just drain well to avoid a watery dip.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives warm, savory depth in every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple but necessary to boost and balance flavors throughout the dish.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): For melty, delicious pull-apart cheese strands—mozzarella works too if you prefer it milder.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Sprinkle these on just before serving for an eye-catching, fresh pop.
- Crackers, chips, celery, or crostini (for serving): Dippers are the way this Delicious Recipe goes from simply tasty to totally irresistible!
How to Make Creamy Hot Crab Dip
Step 1: Mix and Mingle the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, mayo, drained crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of your shredded cheese. Stir energetically until the mixture looks fluffy and everything is evenly distributed—the extra enthusiasm means extra creaminess!
Step 2: Spread Out and Top It Off
Next, spoon that gloriously creamy crab mixture into a small 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish. The key is to keep a nice, even layer, so every bite gets a perfect mix of crab and cheese. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese right on top—don’t worry if it’s a little mountain of cheese, that’s the Delicious Recipe magic!
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the sides bubbling gently. Then, for that extra golden finish, turn the broiler on for just a minute or two—watch closely—to get irresistible browned, melty cheese spots on top.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Take your dip out of the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but this short wait helps thicken the dip and keeps anyone from burning their tongue—plus, it lets the flavors meld beautifully. Get those dippers ready!
How to Serve Creamy Hot Crab Dip
Garnishes
The best way to finish off your Delicious Recipe is with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions right before serving. The cool bite and cheerful color make each scoop pop, turning your hot crab dip into a showpiece as well as a treat.
Side Dishes
This dip is a star alongside crunchy crostini, buttery crackers, crispy chips, or even celery sticks for a fresh, gluten free option. If you want to keep things light, surround it with lots of veggies—sliced cucumbers, peppers, and carrot sticks all work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try spooning the dip into individual ramekins for a fun, grab-and-go setup. You can also hollow out a round loaf of bread and bake the dip right inside—it becomes an edible serving bowl that everyone pulls apart! If you’re feeling extra creative, serve with colorful heirloom radishes or endive leaves for a dramatic platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Delicious Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The dip will keep well for up to three days—just be sure it’s fully cooled before storing.
Freezing
Need to make your Delicious Recipe way in advance? You can freeze it before baking. Assemble the dip up to the broiling stage, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and broil as needed. Just know that the texture may be a touch less creamy after freezing, but still absolutely delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the dip back into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees until heated through (about 15 minutes). A quick spin under the broiler restores any lost cheesy magic. The microwave works too, but the oven preserves the lovely, melty texture that makes this Delicious Recipe so craveable.
FAQs
What kind of crabmeat is best for this Creamy Hot Crab Dip?
Lump or claw canned crabmeat is perfect for this dip, as both provide a sweet, tender texture without being overly expensive. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly! If you’re splurging, fresh crabmeat takes it over the top.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or mayo?
Yes, you can substitute with low-fat options, but the dip may be slightly less smooth and rich. Full-fat cream cheese is best for that unbeatable creamy bite, but lighter versions still make a tasty dip in a pinch.
What are the best dippers for crab dip?
Crostini, sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, and cut veggies (like celery or bell pepper strips) all pair brilliantly with the Delicious Recipe. Try a mix to offer variety and satisfy every guest!
Can I make this dip gluten-free?
Definitely! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, chips, or your favorite sliced veggies for dipping.
How do I keep the dip warm for a party?
After baking, transfer the dip to a small slow cooker set on low, or use a warming tray. Stir occasionally to keep it even and creamy. It keeps the Delicious Recipe melty-hot all night long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof appetizer that’s ultra-creamy, extra cheesy, and always a hit, this Delicious Recipe is your secret weapon. Serve it up at your next gathering, and watch friends and family gather around—just don’t forget to treat yourself to that very first scoop!
PrintDelicious Recipe
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this easy-to-make Creamy Hot Crab Dip. Perfect for any gathering, this appetizer features a blend of crabmeat, green onions, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic, all baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Creamy Hot Crab Dip:
- 12 ounces cream cheese (softened, 1 ½ blocks)
- 6 green onions (finely chopped)
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 2 6-ounce cans crabmeat (12 ounces total, drained)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or shredded mozzarella, divided)
- sliced green onions for garnish
- crackers, chips, celery, or crostini (for serving, see Notes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Spread mixture: Spread the mixture into a small skillet or baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- Broil: Turn on broiler and broil until cheese is browned in spots.
- Serve: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- To make crostini: Cut a baguette into 1/2″ slices. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden. Let cool.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread, crackers, or chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 306 cal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 956 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
