If you need an appetizer that disappears fast, this cheesy hot crab dip delivers every single time. You get a creamy, cheesy dip packed with real crab and finished with that irresistible melty cheese pull everyone loves. Set this dip on the table and watch everyone gather around. Serve it warm with crackers, bread, or pretzel bites, and expect recipe requests before halftime.
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You can make this cheesy hot crab dip using canned crab meat, which keeps things easy without sacrificing flavor. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and works perfectly for Super Bowl parties, race day gatherings, and game day spreads. Serve it warm with crackers, bread, or pretzel bites, and don’t be surprised when someone asks for the recipe before halftime.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with real crab
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for game day, Super Bowl, and race day parties
- Bakes up warm and scoopable with the best cheese pull
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans crab meat (6–8 oz each), drained well
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich base that makes this dip so good.
Next, stir in the shredded cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to break it up too much — those chunks matter.
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot, melty, and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Best Dippers for Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers or pita chips
- Pretzel bites (RIDIC-ULICIOUS with this dip)
- Celery sticks or bell pepper strips
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This cheesy hot crab dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Leftovers (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
FAQ
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
Absolutely. Fresh crab meat works great here — just be sure it’s picked over and well drained.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! Transfer the mixed dip to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and creamy.
Is this cheesy hot crab dip spicy?
Not as written. If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
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Cheesy Hot Crab Dip (The Ultimate Game Day Party Appetizer)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz cans crab meat drained well
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded or Monterey Jack, or blend
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, keeping some chunks intact.
- Spread into a greased 9×9 baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and lightly golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.