Hot Crab Dip (2024)

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Whether I’m contributing to the spread at a game day party or selecting a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a dinner with friends, this Hot Crab Dip is a slam dunk every time.

Hot Crab Dip (1)

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It’s ultra creamy, packs big chunks of sweet, juicy crab, and the kick of spice at the end will have you reaching back into the dish on repeat.

Like my scrumptious Salmon Dip and Feta Dip, this recipe is lightened up with Greek yogurt.

The swap is imperceptible, but it makes me feel better about piling a hearty scoop (or two) onto my plate.

When it comes to dipping choices, this hot crab dip is versatile and eager to please a myriad of taste buds.

  • While we frequently enjoy it with potato chips, it would be equally tasty with crackers, veggies, or pita chips.
  • Like Cheese Fondue, it comes together in less than an hour and tastes just as fabulous leftover as it does right out of the oven.
  • It’s delicious whether you serve it warmed up or at room temperature.

Hot crab dip, you are the ace up my sleeve!

Hot Crab Dip (2)

How to Make Hot Crab Dip

With jalapenos, cream cheese, and lump crab meat, this easy crab dip recipe is the perfect mixture of sweet, spicy, and cheesy.

It’s full of rich flavor but healthy swaps keep it light!

The Ingredients

  • Lump Crab Meat. Crab meat is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy addition to the dip. The tender, sweet meat pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese too. (Need more crab in your life? Check out Crab Stuffed Mushrooms or Crab Salad.)
  • Light Cream Cheese. Hot crab dip without cream cheese just wouldn’t be the same! It creates a velvety, rich texture that makes the hot crab dip so addictive.

Tip

I made this a Philidelphia cream cheese crab dip, but you can use any brand of cream cheese you prefer.

  • Nonfat Greek Yogurt. I swapped part of the cream cheese for nonfat Greek yogurt. This sneaky healthy swap is an easy way to add protein to the dip and lighten it up without negatively impacting the flavor.
  • Lemon Juice. For brightness and zip.
  • Hot Sauce. The heat that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Worcestershire Sauce. The must-have umami flavor.
  • Jalapeno. Gives the dip an extra touch of spice without making it a spicy hot crab dip recipe.
  • Green Onions. A touch of freshness and onion flavor.
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Cheddar gives this dip an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

The Directions

  1. Beat the cream cheese, yogurt, and seasonings together. Add the remaining ingredients, reserving some cheese and green onions for sprinkling on top.
  2. Transfer to a dish and bake the hot crab dip at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
  3. Add the remaining cheese and green onions. Bake 5 to 10 minutes more. ENJOY!
Hot Crab Dip (3)

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. Reheat dip in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.

Reheating Tip

This dip also tastes good at room temperature. For a tailgate, try covering it in foil, then reheating it on the grill (be sure to use a grill-safe dish!)

Leftover Ideas

While leftover dip is always tasty with chips or other dippers, it’s also used as a sandwich spread or on top of a burger.

Hot Crab Dip (4)

What to Serve with Hot Crab Dip

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hot Crab Dip Gluten Free?

Yes, this hot crab dip is gluten free as written. Just make sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure the brands you’re using are gluten free.

Can I Use Fat Free Cream Cheese?

I do not recommend using fat free cream cheese for this hot crab dip, as it will not create the same velvety texture or blend smoothly. The dip needs a little fat to come together and taste delicious.

Can I Make the Hot Crab Dip Less Spicy?

If you prefer a less spicy crab dip, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce or jalapeno. You can start with a little of each, then add more to taste.

Hot Crab Dip

5 from 2 votes

Hot Crab Dip – the BEST easy party appetizer! Made with cream cheese, sweet lump crab, shredded cheese, and jalapeños for a little kick.

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Total: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces light cream cheese softened to room temperature (do not use fat free)
  • 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces lump crab meat I used canned
  • 1 jalapeno cored and finely chopped
  • 3 large chopped green onions (or 4 small) divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • For serving: potato chips

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a small casserole dishwith baking spray.

  • In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. With a spatula, fold in the crab meat, jalapeno, half of the green onions, and 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese until evenly combined.

  • Transfer the dip to the prepared casserole dish and spread in an even layer. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and green onions over the top, then return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5-10 additional minutes. Serve hot with potato chips for dipping.

Notes

  • TO STORE:Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Reheat dip in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave. This dip also tastes good at room temperature. For a tailgate, try covering it in foil, then reheating it on the grill (be sure to use a grill-safe dish!)

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 8) without chipsCalories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgPotassium: 196mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 349IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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Hot Crab Dip (2024)

FAQs

What kind of crackers go best with crab dip? ›

Sourdough crackers and buttery crackers are usually the top pick. However, salty, herby and flavorful crackers will always do. Be sure to choose a cracker that is sturdy enough to hold the dense crab dip. Sea salt, sesame seeds, herbed, salty.

Is imitation crab healthy? ›

It's a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. It's more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat. The decision is yours to make as to which you'll buy for dinner.

What is the best way to eat crab dip? ›

Sometimes served on soft pretzels and sometimes baked in a skillet, but always a must-have order. We eat it on chicken (usually called “Chicken Chesapeake”) or in quesadillas, but the best way to serve hot cheesy crab dip is with fresh bread, pita wedges, celery, and/or sturdy crackers.

What is crab dip made of? ›

Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese, crabmeat, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce until well combined. Transfer crab mixture to a shallow 9x13-inch baking dish. Garnish with paprika.

How many calories are in hot crab dip? ›

2 oz of hot crab dip, chesapeake style (Little River Brand) contains 144 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 8% carbs, 75% fat, and 17% protein.

How long can crab dip last in the fridge? ›

Leftover crab dip will keep, stored covered in the fridge, for up to 5 days. Rewarm in the microwave. To Make Ahead: Crab dip can be prepared 1- days ahead of time, stored covered in the fridge, then baked according to instructions.

What is a good substitute for crab crackers? ›

For example, king crabs have a harder shell, which a crab cracker can easily break through. Want to know how to crack crab legs without a cracker? You can use a mallet or knife to pressure the shell and break it open.

Can you eat too much imitation crab? ›

Despite its health drawbacks, eating the occasional crab rangoon or crab cake made from imitation crab meat is generally safe, although making it a regular part of your diet is not recommended. There also are some people who should avoid this ingredient altogether.

Can diabetics eat imitation crab? ›

The ADA's list of the best proteins for a diabetes-friendly diet includes: Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, mackerel, and rainbow trout. Shellfish, including clams, crab, imitation shellfish, lobster, oysters, scallops, and shrimp. Skinless chicken.

Is crab healthy for weight loss? ›

Like other seafood, crab is a low-fat, healthy source of protein that gives you energy and increases your metabolism. In fact, crab has about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats, but without all the saturated fat.

Why does my crab dip taste fishy? ›

Unless your seafood is literally catch of the day, chances are it will taste and smell a bit fishy, thanks to a compound found in nearly all seafood called trimethylamine oxide, or TMAO.

Is it safe to reheat crab dip? ›

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. TO REHEAT: Reheat dip in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave. This dip also tastes good at room temperature.

Can I eat crab dip if I left it out for a night? ›

In a word, no. Food starts to build up bacteria, and the toxins they produce, within 90-120 minutes when left out at room temperature. Toss it. You don't want to be a food poisoning victim.

What do you eat with crab dip? ›

The best side dishes to serve with crab dip are soft pretzels, tostadas, chicken wings, ranch crackers, avocado fries, shrimp chips, cheese dip, salad Nicoise, wedge salad, garlic bread, bruschetta, crostini, nachos, smoked salmon, and quinoa salad.

Why is my crab dip watery? ›

If your crab dip is too runny it likely means you didn't drain the crab meat properly. Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible before adding it to the dip.

How long is crab good for in the fridge? ›

Raw crab meat that you have bought at the store or you have harvested yourself and has been in the fridge can spoil quickly. Crab meat should smell a bit sweet; if it has a strong, fishy, sour odor––it's time to toss it. The shelf-life in a fridge is 3 to 5 days and in the freezer is 6 to 9 months.

Is crab dip unhealthy? ›

Nutritional Snapshot of Crab Dip

From a macro perspective, it contains a moderate amount of net carbs (3.69g), high total fats (33.25g), and a decent amount of protein (5.97g). Therefore, it can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet. One of its notable health-boosting components is its vitamins.

Is crab dip high in protein? ›

Shout out to all you dip lovers out there, this yummy crab dip is not only low-carb, high in healthy fats, and high protein (macro counters dream come true), but it is also cheesy, creamy and so crazy delicious. It's also so easy, you can whip it up in a heartbeat.

Is crab dip high in cholesterol? ›

Crab dip by BIG J contains 3.5 g of saturated fat and 25 mg of cholesterol per serving.

What crackers are best for dips? ›

Cracker & Dip Guide: Explore Savory Crackers with Perfect Dip Pairings, including Garlic Herb Crackers with Chive Onion Dip, Spicy Paprika Crackers with Cucumber Yogurt, Cheesy Parmesan Squares with Marinara, Seeded Multigrain Crackers with Hummus, Rosemary Sea Salt Flats with Olive Tapenade, Cream and Onion Crisps ...

What crackers are best for dipping hummus? ›

One of the best crackers for hummus is shredded wheat crackers like Triscuits, offering a textured crunch that complements the creamy hummus. Alternatively, opt for light and crisp rice crackers. You can also experiment with various chips for a tasty hummus dip, as they're universally enjoyed.

Do you need crackers for crab legs? ›

While the crab leg cracker takes care of the hard exterior shell, the crab leg fork is the ultimate companion for retrieving every last bit of tender crab meat. These forks, expertly crafted with precision tines, make it a breeze to extract the meat from those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

What are crab leg crackers called? ›

Seafood Cracker

A seafood cracker is essential for getting into crab claws with ease. Seafood crackers are similar in design to nutcrackers; you could probably use yours to crack open nuts too! The handles on the utensil feature grips on the inside and they are connected by a hinge.

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