Description
This cheesy hot crab dip is a rich, creamy appetizer made with tender lump crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the perfect indulgent snack for parties, holidays, or game-day gatherings. Simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: hot sauce, diced jalapeños, green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
- Gently fold in lump crab meat and shredded cheddar cheese. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality pasteurized lump crab meat for best flavor.
- To make spicier, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or mascarpone for cream cheese if desired.
- For gluten-free: verify all ingredients and serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked later (within 24 hours).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg