Hot Baked Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

This Hot Baked Crab Dip with Cream Cheese is a creamy and decadent appetizer and a true showstopper. It combines the blending of the lusciousness of cream cheese with the delicate sweetness of lump crab meat. Whether you're hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to indulge, this dish is perfect.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: This dish is a flavorful and decadent appetizer that combines the natural sweetness of crab with creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
• Crowd Please to Impress Guests: This is an excellent way to impress your guests at gatherings, parties, or special occasions with a delicious seafood appetizer.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The creamy texture of the dip is a delightful contrast to crispy dippers.
• Versatility: This dip can be served with a variety of dippers, from crackers and bread to vegetable sticks, providing options for every palate.

What Type of Crab to Use

It is important to choose high-quality crab meat that is fresh and free of any shells or cartilage. Lump crab meat or jumbo lump crab meat is the best choice as it has larger chunks of meat and fewer shell fragments.

Lump crab meat consists of smaller, uniform pieces of crab. It's a good choice for crab dips when you want a combination of flavor and texture.

Jumbo lump crab meat is prized for its large, whole pieces of meat. It's often used in upscale crab dip recipes to showcase the crab's natural sweetness and texture.

Click here to read our post, What is Lump Crab Meat.

Imitation Crab

Some recipes use imitation crab meat, which is made from white fish and other ingredients. While it's a more budget-friendly option, it lacks the authentic crab flavor and texture of real crab meat.

Imitation crab, often referred to as "krab" or "surimi crab," is a seafood product made from processed white fish (typically Alaskan pollock or Pacific whiting). It is designed to resemble the flavor, texture, and appearance of real crab meat.

What Type of Cheese to Use

I like to use a combination of cream cheese, white cheddar, Parmesan Reggiano, and mozzarella. Here are some things to consider.

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a common choice because it adds a creamy and luscious texture and complements the sweetness of crab meat.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar can add a savory and slightly sharp flavor to the dip. It also contributes to a gooey, melty texture. Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger cheese flavor. You can use standard or white.
• Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack cheese is known for its smooth, mild flavor and excellent melting properties. It's often used in combination with other cheeses for a balanced taste and creamy consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan Reggiano can be added for a nutty and savory kick. It enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dip.
• Gruyère: Gruyère cheese offers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting capabilities. It can add an upscale touch to your dip.
• Pepper Jack: If you want to give your dip a spicy kick, consider using Pepper Jack. It contains bits of jalapeño peppers, adding a zesty heat to the dish.
• Swiss Cheese: This can provide a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It melts well and pairs nicely with the crab's sweetness.
• Mozzarella: If you're looking for a cheese pull you need this. It contributes to the dip's gooey and stretchy texture.

How to Hot Baked Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine all of the ingredients using only half of the cheese in a large bowl.
3. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake.

Substitutions and Add-ins

• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon can add a smoky and savory dimension to the dip.
• Artichokes: Chopped marinated artichoke hearts or spinach can be added for extra flavor and a delightful texture.
• Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers, especially red and green, can provide a pleasant crunch and a pop of color to the dip.
• Onions: Sautéed onions or green onions add depth and a mild onion flavor. Caramelized onions can provide a sweet contrast.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves can enhance the dip's aroma and savory notes.
• Nuts: Chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans can add a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add diced or pickled jalapeños to the dip. Remove the seeds and membranes for milder heat.
• Seafood: Complement the crab with additional seafood, such as scallops or small shrimp.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can bring a rich, sweet-tart flavor to the dip.

What to Use for Dipping

• Crackers: Choose an assortment of crackers, such as buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz), plain or seasoned crackers, or whole-grain crackers. Their crispiness provides a nice contrast to the creamy dip.
• Bread: Sliced baguette, French bread, or toasted bread points are excellent choices for scooping up the dip. You can also serve my Air Fryer Garlic Bread for an extra layer of flavor.
• Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips, both plain and flavored, provide a satisfying crunch and are a favorite option for many. They work well with the dip's creamy and cheesy texture.
• Vegetable Sticks: Fresh and crisp vegetable sticks, such as celery, carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper, are a healthy and refreshing option. They add a delightful crunch and a touch of color.
• Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread cut into wedges or triangles is perfect for scooping up hot dips.
• Toasts or Crostini: Thinly sliced and toasted baguette or bread, often brushed with olive oil and garlic, can provide a more substantial base for your dip.
• Pretzels: Pretzel crisps or pretzel rods are a salty and satisfying choice that complements the creaminess.
• Potato Chips: Potato chips, especially kettle-cooked or wavy ones, bring a delightful saltiness and crunch to the mix.

How to Store/How Long it Will Last

Store it tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat the dip in the oven (350 degrees until warm), air fryer (350 degrees until warm), on the stove, or in the microwave.

If using the microwave, microwave the crab dip on high in 1-minute increments, checking and stirring after each minute. Continue this process until the dip is heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can cause the cheese to separate.

Regardless of the method you choose, be cautious not to overheat the dip, as it can cause the cheese to become greasy or the dip to become too thick. It's essential to reheat it slowly and stir regularly to maintain a creamy and appetizing consistency. Once the dip is heated through, it's ready to be served with your favorite dippers.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze it tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. The texture of the cheese in the crab dip will likely change after freezing. It can become a bit grainy or separate. While it might not be as smooth as when it's freshly made, it's still safe to eat.

What to Serve With the Dip

• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Crab Cake Sandwich
• Steamed Lobster Tail

More Crab Recipes

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Crab Risotto

More Dip Recipes

Healthy Guacamole
Warm Spinach Dip
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Million Dollar Dip
Homemade Queso Cheese Dip