Crab Dip Recipe

Crab Meat – You can use claw or lump crab meat, either will work. SIFT THORUGH the crab meat thoroughly with your hands because there are always pieces of crab shell left behind. Scroll down for more info on what crab meat to use!

Cream Cheese – I recommend using a full fat cream cheese for the best results. Remember to let it soften to room temperature prior to using!

Mayonnaise and sour cream – use your favorite brands but I do recommend you use full fat rather than reduced or fat free for both. This will give the best flavor and consistency to your dip.

Parmesan Cheese – you can get a block and shave it or get freshly shaved parmesan cheese at the deli section of your grocery store.

Lemon juice – it’s always best to use freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Garlic – for the best flavor, always use fresh garlic cloves and press it yourself.

Green onion – you can use scallions or chives for this recipe, just mince it into small pieces.

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

What Is the Best Crab Meat to Use?

If possible, use jumbo lump crab meat that is refrigerated or fresh. This will give you truly a superior taste because it’s taken out of the largest muscle and kept in tact. This meat is white in color, looks like lumps of meat (hence the name), and has the best flavor. It is also the most expensive option. 

If jumbo lump crab meat is too expansive or inaccessible, you can use claw meat instead. Claw crab meat is less expensive and easier to find at the stores but also is a good option.

Crab meat to avoid is canned and not refrigerated. This meat will be better used in soups rather than crab cakes. If canned is the only option, use the one that has to be refrigerated. You can find it in the refrigerated section or seafood counter of your grocery store. 

PRO TIP: make sure to look through the lump crab meat thoroughly to make sure there are no pieces of shell. You will always find a few pieces and it’s not pleasant to bite into one.

Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly grease a baking dish. 

Combine all the ingredients, except for the 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.

Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and spread the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are bubble. You can turn on the broiler for a few seconds to get the cheese a little more golden.

Make Ahead Suggestions

You can easily make this dip the night before and bake when needed. Prepare the dip completely up to the step of baking it. Instead of baking, cover the baking dish air-tight with plastic wrap or another wrap and store in the refrigerator. 

Pull the dip out of the fridge, take off the plastic wrap, and let it sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Bake it for about 20-22 minutes and serve. 

Serving Suggestions

As popular as this easy crab dips is, the trey of dipping options gets people just as excited. Make sure to include a variety of cracker options and vegetable options.

Vegetable options: Celery, cucumber slices, belle pepper wedges, and lettuce cups are all good vegetable options for dipping.

For cracker options: think tortilla chips, saltines, pretzels, pretzel chips, Parmesan crisps, and a couple gluten free cracker options.

Although my favorite option to dip are thin slices of French baguette. It’s good to serve toasted or untoasted. To toast baguette slices, lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet in one even layer, and bake at 425° for 6-8 minutes. Time will depend on how thin you cut the slices so keep an eye on it.

How To Store and Reheat Crab Dip

If you have leftover crab dip, you can easily store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the baking dish air-tight or transfer it into a storage container with an air-tight lid. 

To rehear crab dip, I recommend oven over microwave. Spread cold crab dip in a baking dish and reheat at 350° until hot in the middle. You can even spread a little more cheese on top before reheating.

More Crab Recipes To Try

• Crab Fried Rice
• Spicy Mango Crab Cakes
• Crab Puffs
• She Crab Soup
• Tomato Bacon and Crab Grilled Cheese