February 16, 2024
Review RecipeImitation Crab Dip
You are instantly hit with tons of flavors and the warm creamy texture of the cheese when you take your first bite of this insanely delicious imitation crab dip.
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This savory imitation crab dip is out-of-this-world amazing and makes the perfect appetizer for all of your gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with succulent crab meat, and baked until the cheese is bubbly and gooey.
Imitation Crab Dip Ingredients
Imitation crab dip is one of the tastiest treats you’ll ever try!
An irresistible combination of shredded imitation crab meat, garlic, and silky cream cheese provides the perfect balance of texture.
The tangy horseradish elevates it to a whole new level of flavor, giving it just enough of a zing that sets it apart from your average dip.
To make this dip, you’ll need:
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese
- 8 ounces of heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of horseradish
- 1 pound of imitation crab meat, chopped
- ½ teaspoons of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of pepper
Substitutions And Additions
CRAB MEAT: If you prefer fresh crab meat rather than imitation, you can find fresh lump crab meat in the fresh/refrigerated seafood section at your local grocery store.
SPICY: Kick it up a notch by adding a dash or two of hot sauce for a spicy seafood dip that will wake up your taste buds.
HOT SAUCE: To add a bit of heat and complexity to your dip, experiment with different hot sauces like sriracha, Tabasco, or your favorite chili sauce.
Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
CHEDDAR CHEESE: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy crab dip.
It will create a melty, gooey texture and add a savory depth to the dip.
How To Make This Imitation Crab Dip Recipe
You are only a handful of steps away from a delicious dip for snacking.
Once you combine all of the ingredients, you will spread the mixture into a baking dish and pop it in the oven until nice and bubbly. Add your favorite dippers, and you’ll have the perfect appetizer.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You may want to double or triple this recipe, as it will disappear fast!
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: Coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
STEP THREE: Combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and horseradish in a large bowl. Mix well.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t end up with lumps in your dip.
STEP FOUR: Add the imitation crab meat, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well incorporated.
STEP FIVE: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your dip as the suggested baking time approaches.
STEP SIX: Serve the creamy dip with chips or your favorite crackers.
How To Serve
This creamy and delicious appetizer is perfect for any party or potluck, including game days or holiday gatherings. The sky’s the limit on what you can dip.
Try tortilla chips, Ritz crackers, pita chips, our firecrackers, or carrot and celery sticks, to name a few.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can bring some flavor to the table by pairing the dish with spicy jalapeño poppers or fried zucchini.
We have a few other easy recipes for warm dips that are sure to be a real crowd-pleaser. Check out our sloppy joe dip and crab rangoon dip.
MORE DIP RECIPES
Storage
Let’s dive into some storage tips that will keep your dip tasting as fresh as the moment it was made.
MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the dip following the recipe instructions, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving.
This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delightful taste.
IN THE FRIDGE: Keep this creamy crab dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing this imitation crab dip with cream cheese as it will become watery when thawed.
REHEATING: For small portions, the microwave is a quick option.
Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid (leaving a small vent), and heat in 20-30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your preferred temperature.
Alternatively, for larger portions or if you prefer stovetop reheating, gently warm the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through.
Remember to avoid overheating, as it can cause the dip to become too thin. Enjoy your dip like it’s freshly made!
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: The combination of imitation crab, cream cheese, and seasonings creates an addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more.
QUICK AND EASY: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a delicious dip without the fuss.
PARTY PLEASER: Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this dip is a crowd-pleaser.
There’s something about this hot imitation crab dip that just makes it so darn good. Maybe it’s the creamy, cheesy goodness or the fact that it tastes like a little bit of seafood heaven. No matter what the reason, if you’re looking for an easy appetizer that will WOW your guests, look no further!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this tasty dip ahead of time?
You can prepare this hot imitation crab dip recipe as instructed and keep it in the fridge, covered until it’s ready to be baked. Bake according to the instructions.
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab meat in this hot crab dip recipe?
This easy crab dip recipe would be delicious if you decide to use either real crab meat or imitation crab meat.
Is this crab dip with imitation crab best served hot or cold?
This imitation crab meat dip is best served when it’s hot. Once it’s cooled, it can be reheated and still tastes great.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Grilled Salmon
- Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Salmon in Foil
- Fried Cheese Balls
Imitation Crab Dip
You are instantly hit with tons of flavors and the warm creamy texture of the cheese when you take your first bite of this insanely delicious imitation crab dip.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 pound imitation crab meat, chopped
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with a nonstick spray.
- Combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and horseradish in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the imitation crab meat, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- Spread mixture into a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve dip with chips or crackers.
Notes
- You may want to double or triple this recipe, as it will disappear fast!
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t end up with lumps in your dip.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your dip as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 976mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1082IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
retro bowl says
YES!!! This is a must try!!! Cannot get enough of it!!
Diane says
Could you put this in a slow cooker?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Diane – you probably could! We haven’t tested that out so I don’t have specifics on how to do it. Let me know if you try it, enjoy!