Horseradish Crab Dip
Creamy horseradish crab dip combines tender crabmeat with a tangy horseradish flavor, perfect for parties, appetizers, or seafood lovers seeking a quick, savory treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine softened cream cheese, drained crabmeat, chopped peeled onion, mayonnaise, milk, horseradish, and salt; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a small oven-safe serving dish.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cream cheese with the other ingredients using a hand mixer. If you want to amp up the flavor, you can substitute the horseradish with a bit of wasabi or add a dash of hot sauce. For a twist, try using shrimp instead of crabmeat, or include herbs like dill for added freshness. This dip is perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer before a seafood dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious crab dip with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a salad or a seafood dish like Shrimp Or Crabmeat Salad. It's an excellent addition to any appetizer spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dip watery and affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Horseradish Crab Dip contains roughly 343 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg per serving (33% 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 instead of canned crabmeat?
Absolutely! Fresh crabmeat will elevate the flavor of the dip. Just make sure to cook and shred it beforehand, and adjust the seasoning as needed since fresh crab can be less salty than canned.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake it as directed. This can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still create a creamy dip.
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).