The Best Hot Crab Dip
This hot crab dip is one of those appetizers that people stand around until the skillet is empty. In particular, it is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with lump crab, with just enough Cajun seasoning and cayenne to keep things interesting. If you love a warm dip, try my cheesy shrimp and crab dip and my creamy spinach dip too.
With this in mind, everything gets mixed in one bowl and baked in a small cast iron skillet, so it goes from oven to table. What is more, it takes about 10 minutes to put together. I love serving it next to the best tailgating dip and my baked goat cheese dip when I am hosting a crowd.
As a result, this dip is not only easy but also special enough for the holidays. Furthermore, it fits right into a seafood spread with my easy crab toast with lemon mayo or a surf and turf board for New Year’s Eve.
What Is Hot Crab Dip?
Hot crab dip is a baked appetizer made with crab meat folded into a creamy base of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, along with shredded cheese and seasonings. It bakes until bubbly and browned and is served warm with bread, crackers, or chips.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Lump crab meat (12 ounces): The star of the dip. Fresh lump crab from the seafood counter gives the best flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy base. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream (1/2 cup each): Add richness and a little tang.
- Sharp cheddar and pepper jack (1/2 cup each): Melt into the dip and add a gentle kick.
- Grated white onion (1 tablespoon): Adds savory flavor without big pieces.
- Lemon (1/2, juiced): Brightens the crab. Fresh juice is worth it.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth.
- Seasoning salt, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon each): Bring the heat and seasoning.
- Italian parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A fresh, green finish.
- Black pepper: To taste.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Small Cast Iron Skillet
Bakes and serves the dip in one pan.
Large Mixing Bowl
For mixing the dip.
Hand Mixer
Beats the cream cheese base until creamy.
Silicone Spatula
Folds in the crab gently.
Box Grater
For the cheese and the onion.
Citrus Juicer
For fresh lemon juice.
Measuring Spoons
For the seasonings.
Skillet Handle Cover
Protects hands at the table.
Wooden Trivet
For setting the hot skillet down.
Bread Knife
For slicing the baguette.
Chip and Dip Platter
For serving dippers alongside.
Small Appetizer Plates
For guests.
How To Make Hot Crab Dip
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until creamy.
Step 3: Add Everything Else
Add the crab, cheeses, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire, seasonings, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Skillet
Spoon the mixture into a small cast iron skillet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and browned. Serve warm with baguette slices or tortilla chips.
Hot Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon white onion grated
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley chopped
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- baguette slices or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until creamy.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a small cast iron skillet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and browned.
- Serve warm with baguette slices or tortilla chips.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — warm dips and crowd-pleasers.
Spicy Shrimp Buffalo Dip
A bold, creamy buffalo dip with a spicy shrimp kick.
Get the Recipe →
Buffalo BLT Dip
A creamy, zesty buffalo dip loaded with bacon and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe →
Creamy Baked Spinach Dip
A warm, cheesy spinach dip that’s always the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Spicier
Add diced jalapeños.
Milder
Cut the cayenne in half.
Shrimp and Crab
Fold in chopped cooked shrimp.
Different Cheese
Use Monterey Jack or Gruyère in place of the pepper jack.
When I Love Serving Hot Crab Dip
Game Day
A warm dip is always the first thing to go.
Holiday Parties
It works well on a holiday appetizer table. See my easy holiday entertaining tips.
New Year’s Eve
It fits right in with these elevated New Year’s Eve appetizers.
Supper Club
An easy starter while guests arrive.
Game Night
Great for an elevated game night.
Date Night In
Equally important, a small skillet is just right for two.
What To Serve With Hot Crab Dip
Dippers
Baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables from an epic veggie tray. For good bread, see where to find fresh bread in Atlanta.
More Appetizers
Add a smoked salmon charcuterie board, surf and turf bites, or a caviar board.
Drinks
Serve with lemonade prosecco punch or something from a martini board.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
- Make ahead: Mix the dip, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake right before serving and add a few extra minutes.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing, since the creamy base can separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crab?
You can, but fresh lump crab from the seafood counter has better flavor and texture.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Mix it up to a day ahead and bake right before serving.
How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños.
What if I do not have a cast iron skillet?
Use a small baking dish.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this hot crab dip is an easy appetizer that feels special. Without a doubt, a bubbling skillet of crab and cheese gets people gathered around the table. If you make it, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
