Holiday Crab Dip

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, flavorful crab dip with hints of onion, mustard, and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings and served with crackers for a delightful appetizer.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/3 c. mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp. brown mustard
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. dried onion bits
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
  • dash of garlic powder
  • 6 oz. crab, drained and flaked

Instructions

  1. Blend together cream cheese, mayonnaise, brown mustard, dried onion bits, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
  2. Fold in the drained and flaked crab and chopped parsley.
  3. Serve with crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier dip, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of crab, try canned tuna or shrimp as a substitute. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra zest. Consider experimenting with spices like Old Bay for a more robust flavor. This dip is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Holiday Crab Dip with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer spread. It pairs beautifully with Seafood recipes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. For a festive touch, garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, serve it cold as a refreshing dip option. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Crab Dip contains roughly 70 calories, with 12g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

70 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 2.2g 1% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2248.1mg 98% DV
Potassium 355.1mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 24.9mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 9.6mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 35mg 3% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Shellfish

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 crab dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure a smooth consistency.

What type of crab meat is best for this recipe?

For the best flavor, use lump crab meat if available. It's sweet and has a nice texture. However, imitation crab can be a more affordable option and works well too, especially if you're serving a crowd or on a budget.

Can I add other ingredients to this dip?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce for added flavor. Each addition can enhance the dip further, making it a fun and adaptable recipe for your taste.

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).

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