Leslie'S Crab Dip
Leslie's Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring crab meat, cream cheese, and seafood sauce, perfect for gatherings and served with crackers and garnished with paprika and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and grated onion until well combined.
- Spread the mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Top with seafood cocktail sauce.
- Layer the crab meat over the cocktail sauce.
- Garnish with paprika and lemon wedges.
- Chill the dip in the refrigerator.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the dip. If you want a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. For a lower-fat option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Make sure to use fresh crab meat for the best taste, or canned crab can be used in a pinch, but drain it well.
Serving Suggestions
This crab dip pairs beautifully with No Name Crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a crunchy contrast. Serve it as an appetizer at parties or alongside a refreshing salad for a light meal. You can also create a seafood platter with shrimp and other seafood recipes for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you prefer serving it warm, you can also bake it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leslie'S Crab Dip contains roughly 268 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% 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 frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat, but ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the dip. Fresh crab meat will yield the best flavor and texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.
How long can I keep the crab dip in the fridge?
The crab dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the garnishes, like paprika and lemon wedges, just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
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).