Mary'S Crabmeat Dip
A creamy, savory crab dip featuring lump crabmeat and cream cheese, topped with tangy seafood cocktail sauce and garnished with parsley, perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use 3/4 of the crabmeat with the softened cream cheese; blend well and form into a ball with your hands.
- Mix the remaining 1/4 crabmeat with the seafood cocktail sauce.
- Pour the sauce and crabmeat mixture on top of the crab and cream cheese ball.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the cream cheese mixture. If lump crabmeat is unavailable, canned crabmeat can be a suitable substitute. To elevate the flavor, mix in a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This dip can also be served warm; simply bake it at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crabmeat dip with a variety of dippers such as toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a great appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Tuna Casserole or can be enjoyed alongside fresh salad greens as part of a light meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crabmeat dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the cream cheese and crabmeat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Crabmeat Dip contains roughly 277 calories, with 6g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% 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 crabmeat dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of forming the ball, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top it with the seafood cocktail sauce and garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
Lump crabmeat is ideal for this recipe as it provides a sweet and delicate flavor. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can use claw crabmeat, which is also tasty but has a slightly stronger flavor. Always ensure that your crabmeat is fresh or properly canned.
Can I add other ingredients to this dip?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dip by adding ingredients like diced green onions, minced garlic, or even a bit of cream cheese flavored with herbs. If you're looking for a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a delightful twist.
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).