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Best Hot Crab Dip

Best Hot Crab Dip

The Best Hot Crab Dip is a rich, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that highlights tender lump crab meat combined with cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and savory spices. Baked until golden and bubbly, this easy-to-make dip delivers a perfect balance of fresh seafood flavor and indulgent texture, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 8 oz fresh lump crab meat, drained

Dairy and Creamy Bases

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Hot sauce or cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by draining any excess liquid from the crab meat to avoid a watery dip, and finely chop the green onions or parsley if using for garnish.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream or mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Stir until smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Add the Cheeses and Crab: Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and crab meat to maintain the crab flakes intact, ensuring every bite bursts with seafood goodness.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, smooth the top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until the dip is bubbling and golden brown on top.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before sprinkling chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose quality crab meat: opt for fresh or premium canned lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the crab flakes intact and maintain a luxurious texture.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to ensure smooth blending without lumps.
  • Watch the oven closely to prevent over-browning or drying out the dip.
  • Adjust spice levels before baking to suit your taste without overpowering the crab flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot crab dip, crab appetizer, creamy crab dip, cheesy seafood dip, party dip, easy crab recipe