Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Cold Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients
2. Cold Crab Dip Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Cold Crab Dip Recipe
4. Troubleshooting
5. How To Serve the Best Cold Crab Dip Recipe
6. When To Serve Creamy Crab Dip
7. How To Store This Cold Crab Dip
8. Why This Cold Crab Dip Is The Best
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Love
11. More Appetizer Recipes
12. JUMP TO RECIPE

For years, this 5-star recipe for Cold Crab Dip has been a reader favorite. This classic dip is a winner at every party. We’ve made this recipe for dozens of get-togethers, and it’s always the first appetizer to go.

Our talented and experienced recipe developers have created the creamiest, most flavorful cold crab dip, perfect for making ahead. With thousands of successful recipes on our site, you can trust this dip will be a delicious appetizer your friends and family will devour.

Cold Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients

Creating this easy Cold Crab Dip recipe is straightforward and quick, so it’s perfect for busy days or when you need an easy snack. The dip comes together in just 10 minutes, and after an hour of chilling, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dip ready to serve. 

Cold Crab Dip Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to customize your Cold Crab Dip Recipe, there are several substitutions and additions you can try. Keep in mind that any substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the dip, so use them at your discretion.

Cream Cheese: For a lighter dip, you can substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese. This will result in a slightly less creamy texture but still deliver great taste.

Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want to add a bit of extra protein or reduce the fat content. It will add a similar tanginess but may change the texture slightly.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used if fresh lemons are not available. For a different flavor, lime juice can be a fun variation.

Old Bay Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend: If you don’t have this specific blend, traditional Old Bay seasoning with a bit of garlic powder works well. Adjust the quantities to taste.

Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely. For more heat, you can use hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños.

Green Onion: Chives or finely chopped shallots can be used instead of green onions. They provide a similar onion flavor with a slightly different texture. You can also use red onion in a pinch.

Lump Crab Meat: Fresh crabmeat is an excellent substitution if it’s available. Imitation crab meat can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, though it will alter the taste.

Additions:

• Cheddar Cheese: Mixing in a bit of shredded cheddar can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a tangy flavor that complements the crab.
• Red Bell Pepper: Finely chopped red bell pepper adds color and a slight sweetness to the dip.

How To Make This Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Making Cold Crab Dip is a breeze, and it’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy dip ready to go! Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare this easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe.

STEP ONE: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go. In our experience, your dish will come together much simpler and faster.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fluffy and smooth.

PRO TIP: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating so it becomes light and fluffy.

STEP THREE: Add the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay Garlic & Herb Seasoning blend, cayenne pepper, and thinly sliced green onions (reserve 1 tablespoon for a garnish) to the bowl with the cream cheese. Stir until fully combined and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

PRO TIP: For a smoother mixture, use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients together.

STEP FOUR: Gently fold in the drained lump crab meat using a spatula. Be careful not to break up the crab meat lumps as much as possible to maintain the dip’s texture.

STEP FIVE: Transfer the cold crab dip to a serving bowl. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensure all the dip is transferred.

STEP SIX: Cover the serving bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to set properly.

PRO TIP: For best results, prepare the dip a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more.

STEP SEVEN: When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced green onions on top of the dip for garnish.

Troubleshooting

After making this recipe many times to perfect and enjoy our creamy crab dip, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way. 

Here’s our best advice:

• To make sure your dip is creamy and not lumpy, it’s crucial to use room temperature cream cheese. Just leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start making your dip. 
• If you find your dip is too thick or you would just like it to be a bit thinner, you can add a touch of milk and mix to loosen the dip up a little.
• The cayenne pepper in this recipe is just right to give your dip the tiniest touch of heat without overpowering the dip. If you aren’t a fan of spice at all, you can omit it.
• You can always adjust the Old Bay Seasoning amount and add more if you want to give your dip more flavor.
• Chop the onion very fine. It should be well-incorporated into the dip.
• It’s really important to drain your crab meat well. Otherwise, your dip can become watery in the fridge.

How To Serve the Best Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a really yummy snack, this easy crab dip recipe is a great choice. We all agree that buttery crackers are exceptionally delicious to scoop up your dip. You can also serve it with tortilla chips, toasted baguette, or veggie sticks.

Set your cold crab dip on a charcuterie board along with salami, cheese, and crackers. Add all of your favorite charcuterie ingredients and enjoy!

You can get creative with your crab dip and use it as a filling for stuffed mushroom caps, or even spread the dip on slices of fresh sandwich bread. 

Our delicious crab dip is the perfect choice for parties. It’s always a hit, and disappears so fast, you may want to make a double batch! Serve with other tasty appetizers like Rotel Dip, Stuffed Jalapenos, or our famous Hanky Panky recipe!

We wouldn’t blame you for eating this dip for lunch. Spread it over sourdough or scoop it up with Ritz crackers. Serve with a fresh salad for a filling mid-day meal.

When To Serve Creamy Crab Dip

When we say Cold Crab Dip is perfect for any occasion, we mean it. This dip fits in anywhere, from casual summer parties to your Thanksgiving appetizer table.

Your friends will devour this dip at your next game day party. It fits in well between bowls of chips and veggie platters. It travels well, so you can take it to your office potluck or birthday party with ease. Just make sure you put it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

It’s an impressive dish, perfect for serving to friends and family at dinners and throughout the holiday season. This simple dish is a winner every time.

How To Store This Cold Crab Dip

Here are some tips on how to store your dip so it stays fresh and delicious.

MAKE AHEAD: This Cold Crab Dip Recipe can be made ahead of time, which is great for planning. Prepare the dip according to the instructions, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate. Making the dip a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together and makes it really yummy the next day.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for three to four days, and should stay creamy and flavorful. Remember to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve to ensure it stays fresh.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend you freeze this dip. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Why This Cold Crab Dip Is The Best

This Cold Crab Dip Recipe has quickly become a favorite for many reasons. It’s delicious, easy to make, and so much better than pre-made crab dips! Here’s why this dip stands out and why you’ll love making it time and time again.

Perfect Every Time – There’s no doubt about it, we’ve made sure this recipe will work for you every time and be every bit as delicious as you hope!

10-Minute Prep – One of the best things about this Cold Crab Dip is how quickly it comes together. 

Rich and Creamy Texture – Cream cheese and sour cream make a rich and creamy base that is deliciously tasty with sweet and delicate crab meat. 

Make-Ahead Friendly – Being able to prepare this dip ahead of time makes it perfect for entertaining.

Truly Delicious – This easy crab dip is one of our favorite things to make for holidays and parties. It’s always the first dish to be gobbled up!

This easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe is a quick and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties and get-togethers. Enjoy its rich and creamy texture with your favorite dippers!

More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Love

• ​BLT Dip
• Hot Crab Dip
• ​Crab Rangoon Dip
• Jalapeno Popper Dip
• Spinach Artichoke Dip

More Appetizer Recipes

• Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
• Cajun Shrimp
• Crab Rangoon
• Homemade Corn Dogs
• Grilled Salmon
• Cheese Sticks