Cream Cheese And Crab Dip
Cream Cheese and Crab Dip offers a rich and savory blend of cream cheese, crab meat, and subtle seasonings, making it an ideal appetizer for parties or gatherings. Its creamy texture combined with the delicate flavor of crab makes it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers and entertaining occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, milk, diced onion, horseradish, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Add the drained and flaked crab meat on top before baking or mix into the dip before baking if preferred.
- Serve hot with party crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature for at least an hour. If you don’t have horseradish, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. For a twist, consider mixing in some shredded cheese or using a blend of crab and shrimp for flavor variety. This dip is reminiscent of Lyla Dee'S Shrimp Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cream Cheese and Crab Dip hot with a variety of party crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Easy Crab Dip for a seafood-themed appetizer spread. Consider serving it alongside a crisp salad for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese And Crab Dip contains roughly 45 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1802mg per serving (78% 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 make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead. Simply mix all the ingredients, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What type of crab meat should I use?
You can use canned crab meat for convenience, but fresh or frozen crab meat will provide superior flavor. If using fresh crab, make sure to cook and flake it before adding to the dip. Jumbo lump crab is a great option for a more luxurious texture.
Can I freeze the leftover dip?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dip. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.
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).