September 22, 2023
Review RecipeHot Crab Dip

Table of Contents
This easy hot crab dip appetizer is a whole lot of creamy, cheesy goodness, with a little bit more cheese on top, because you can never have too much cheese! This simple recipe is sure to get a resounding “yes” from your guests.

Hot Crab Dip Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 12 ounces of crab meat
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese (save ¼ cup to sprinkle on top)
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese (save ¼ cup to sprinkle on top)
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
SPICE: You can also have fun dressing up this creamy dip recipe. Are you a fan of spicy? Try adding fresh jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a few chili flakes. Or, if you like, you can try adding other spices and flavors, too!
SOUR CREAM: Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream and will work fine in this cheesy crab dip.
CRAB MEAT: It’s easy to make adjustments to this simple recipe. If canned or fresh crab meat is not your thing, just replace it with imitation crab meat. Your family and friends won’t know or taste the difference.
How To Make This Hot Crab Dip Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
I often end up doubling or tripling this recipe because it disappears so quickly.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, diced green chilies, and lemon juice. Stir well.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t end up with lumps in your dip.

STEP THREE: Add in the Worcestershire sauce and fresh chives.

STEP FOUR: Add in the Old Bay seasoning and paprika, as well as the parmesan and cheddar cheese. Make sure you set aside ¼ cup of each cheese.

STEP FIVE: Spread the mixture inside of an 8×8-inch baking dish and smooth out the surface. Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan and cheddar cheese.

STEP SIX: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until bubbling. If the cheese isn’t melted or you want to brown it a little bit, feel free to broil for a couple of minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on the dip since it can burn easily under the broiler.

STEP SEVEN: Garnish your cheesy dip with fresh chives or green onions and enjoy with tortillas or crackers.
How To Serve
This perfect appetizer is very versatile when it comes to what you dip in it. You can have a variety of crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, and any other creative ideas for dipping! Even soft pretzels also make an interesting side.
As with most appetizers, this hot crab dip recipe is quick and easy to make. It goes great on a party table with some of our other hot dip recipes including spinach artichoke dip and cheese dip.
MORE DIP RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Cover leftover crab dip with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing this dip as it will become watery when thawed.

One thing is for certain, this crab dip is bound to be a hit at any game day gathering or holiday parties and we won’t be surprised if it’s gone in a matter of minutes. Just don’t plan on having any leftovers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fresh crab meat, canned crab meat, or imitation crab meat would all be delicious in this dip recipe.
This is best served when it’s hot! Once it’s cooled, it can be reheated and still tastes great.
You can assemble this dip right up to the step before baking and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Bake it just before you are ready to serve this delicious appetizer.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Beer Cheese Dip
- S’mores Dip
- Funfetti Dip
- Rotel Dip
- Cold Crab Dip
- Crab Rangoon
- Salmon in Foil
- Mexican Corn Dip
- Cheese Sticks
- Imitation Crab Dip
- Cornbread Dressing
- Booty Dip Recipe

Hot Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 12 ounces crab meat
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 ounces diced green chilies
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese (save ¼ cup to sprinkle on top)
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese (save ¼ cup to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, diced green chilies, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and fresh chives.
- Add in the Old Bay seasoning and paprika, as well as the parmesan and cheddar cheese. Make sure you set aside ¼ cup of each cheese.
- Spread the mixture inside of an 8×8-inch baking dish and smooth out the surface. Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until bubbling. If the cheese isn’t melted or you want to brown it a little bit, feel free to broil for a couple of minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on the dip since it can burn easily under the broiler.
- Garnish your cheesy dip with fresh chives or green onions and enjoy with tortillas or crackers.
Notes
- I often end up doubling or tripling this recipe because it disappears so quickly.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t end up with lumps in your dip.
Comments
Layne Henderson says
This is a favorite for us – so easy and delicious!
Cheryl says
I don’t see parmesan, cheddar cheese and paprika listed in the ingredients. How much of each goes in? These are mentioned in the directions??
Layne Henderson says
I just got it updated 🙂 Thanks for pointing that out!
Debby says
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
Vanda Brown says
Wondering if I add some plablano peppers should I give them a quick saute first.. This recipe is pretty bulletproof and I love it..
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Vanda – I haven’t tried adding that myself yet but I would suggest doing a saute first before adding to the dip mix. Enjoy!
Sally says
A great dip recipe, a big hit!