How to Make Delicious Crab Dip From Scratch

Why Make This Recipe

I love a baked crab dip, but sometimes you want a crab dip that doesn’t require oven time. This is especially true when you’re planning a holiday meal, and have too much to do right before your party starts or need the oven space for something else. A cold crab dip to the rescue! This one is creamy, delicious, and packed with lump crabmeat.

• Crabmeat: Lump is perfect for this crab dip—no need to spend the big bucks for jumbo lump crab meat, given that it is just going to be mixed into a dip. Of course I prefer Maryland blue crab meat, but use what you have available in your area.
• Cream Cheese: This brings the dip together in a creamy, cheesy way. I prefer full-fat for my cream cheese, as you really can’t beat the flavor and texture. If you want to lighten up the dip a bit, try using crème fraîche instead of cream cheese.
• Mayonnaise: Hellman’s (Best Foods) is my favorite brand, but use what you prefer. You could replace it with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Leave this out if you don’t have it, but it does add a little savory depth of flavor to the dip.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A Maryland essential! If you don’t have Old Bay, you could add a little bit of chili powder to the dip.
• Garlic Powder: If you love garlic, feel free to mince up some fresh garlic and use that instead.
• Chives: Fresh chives are perfect in this recipe for both the dip itself and for garnish. Possible substitutions would be Italian parsley or green onions.

Dump 1 pound lump crabmeat into a colander over the sink. Rinse crabmeat in cold water, then gently squeeze clumps of crabmeat to remove as much moisture as possible and carefully pick out any pieces of shell. Set cleaned crabmeat aside in a medium bowl.

Juice and zest one lemon. You should end up with about 2 teaspoons of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice.

In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ cup chopped fresh chives. Use a hand mixer on medium-low speed to make the mixture smooth.

Gently stir in crabmeat. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add more salt, Old Bay, or lemon juice to taste.

Garnish with more chopped chives and a sprinkle of Old Bay to serve.

Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. Or, wrap the serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.

Recipe FAQs for Cold Crab Dip

Yes, this dip is excellent for making in advance. It may even be better after the flavors have the chance to really meld. Make it up to 24 hours in advance and keep chilled until ready to serve.

You can. I very much prefer using fresh crab meat, but imitation will definitely work. Just chop it into small pieces before stirring into your dip.

If the cream cheese is too cold, it will be hard to combine the dip ingredients in a smooth mixture, even with the mixer. Pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds on 50% power if you forget to leave it out at room temperature long enough to soften it.

Want to make a spicy crab dip? Add more Old Bay seasoning, or try adding a little cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Make it cheesier by adding in some parmesan cheese.

Serve dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or pita chips. It would be delicious smeared on a piece of Garlic Baguette. Or go low carb and serve with sliced cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers (or serve with all of the above!).

This easy crab dip recipe is the perfect appetizer for your holiday celebration. Pair it with some other delicious appetizers like Baked Camembert with Hot Honey, Truffled Deviled Eggs, or Cranberry Brie Bites. Perfect for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or whatever you are celebrating. Great for summer parties too, since you won’t heat up your kitchen to make it.

Got leftovers? Put some crab dip between two tortillas, add a little grated cheese on top, and turn into crab quesadillas.

Maryland Lump Crab Dip Recipe!

FAQ

What’s the best thing to dip crab meat in?

Now once you have your crab cooked and picked, here are my favorite dipping sauces to go with the crab meat. A simple Garlic Clarified Butter dipping sauce, Avocado Wasabi Mayonnaise dipping sauce and a Curry Mustard dipping sauce; all three are very different from each other but totally delicious.

How to make crab dip cold with mayonnaise?

1. Make the dip: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, shallots, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Gently fold in the crabmeat. …
2. Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
3. Serve: Sere with crackers or carrots and celery. Did you love the recipe?

What are the ingredients for crab dip?

What kind of cheese do you use for crab dip?

Sour Cream: Some crab dip recipes call for just mayo and cream cheese, but I like to break down those heavier ingredients with tangy sour cream. Cheddar Cheese: You can use sharp cheddar or white cheddar if desired, but don’t use another cheese that has a stronger flavor because you don’t want to overpower the crab.

How do you make a good lump crab dip?

To get the best taste and texture, use fresh lump crab meat and the other eight listed ingredients. These include cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and cream cheese. Slow cooked or baked, this is the most irresistible dip. Draws a crowd every time I make it!.

What is Maryland crab dip?

This hot and cheesy Maryland crab dip gets the stamp of approval from locals and out-of-towners alike. For the best taste and texture, use fresh lump crab meat and the other 8 ingredients listed, including cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Slow cooked or baked, this is the most irresistible dip.

What ingredients do you need to make crab dip?

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this top-rated crab dip recipe: · Crabmeat: This crab dip starts with two cans of drained and flaked crabmeat. · Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy, and flavorful crab dip. · Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds even more richness.

How long does it take to make crab dip?

This foolproof Crab Dip takes just 10 minutes to prep then it’s hands-off baking time. Here’s how: Beat cream cheese. Add cream cheese to a mixing bowl and beat with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for one minute. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, lemon juice and all seasonings and beat until combined.

What is hot crab dip?

Hot crab dip is typically a decadent mixture of cream cheese, mayo, lump crabmeat and cheese. It’s seasoned with spices, seafood seasoning, and a spritz of lemon. No shortage of flavor here. This Maryland crab dip ranks among our top dip recipes for a crowd, takes almost no time to assemble, and is easy to double or triple. Taste of Home

How do you make a Cold Crab dip?

Mix the base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and salt, until smooth. Fold in the crab and chives. Use a spatula and fold gently. Refrigerate (optional). You can enjoy your cold crab dip right away, but I like to chill it for at least an hour to let the flavors develop.