Cheesy Crab Dip
Creamy, cheesy crab dip with bold flavors of seafood seasoning, lemon, and cheddar, perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a luxurious appetizer for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, seafood seasoning, lemon juice, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.
- Fold in the canned crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top with additional shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding diced green onions or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. This dip can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking for a quick appetizer. For more crab options, try the Cream Cheese Crab Spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Crab Dip warm, complemented by a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a themed gathering, consider serving alongside other seafood recipes like Clam Casino Dip or Nothing But Crab Cakes to delight your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cheesy Crab Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Crab Dip contains roughly 191 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value) and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will add a wonderful flavor and texture to the dip. Just make sure to pick through it for any shells and fold it in gently to keep the chunks intact. It’s a great way to elevate the dish if you have access to fresh seafood.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You could also use a spicy seafood seasoning blend instead of regular seafood seasoning. Adjust the amount to your taste for a perfect kick!
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Mix all the ingredients and store them in the casserole dish, covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. When ready to serve, just remove the wrap and bake according to the instructions for a quick and easy appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).