Microwave Crab Dip
Creamy, flavorful crab dip with butter, onions, garlic, and herbs, perfect for entertaining or a delicious appetizer for seafood lovers. Quick microwave preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place butter in a 2-quart casserole.
- Microwave on High for 45 seconds.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Cover and microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and cover. Microwave on High for 1 minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and salt; mix well.
- Gently stir in crabmeat.
- Microwave on High for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a bit more heat, add more Tabasco sauce to taste. Fresh crabmeat is ideal, but canned or frozen crab can work in a pinch. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from canned crabmeat before adding it to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This crab dip pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks. For a more substantial snack, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a seafood platter. You can also find inspiration in similar seafood recipes like Clam-Cheese Spread for additional party ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Crab Dip contains roughly 141 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1982mg per serving (86% 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 crab dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of heating, then refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, microwave until heated through. Just be cautious not to overheat, as crabmeat can become tough.
What type of crabmeat should I use for this dip?
You can use fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor, but canned crabmeat works well if fresh isn't available. Make sure to choose high-quality crab to ensure a delicious dip. Avoid imitation crab as it lacks the flavor and texture of real crab.
Is there a way to make this dip spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Alternatively, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for added heat. Just adjust to your taste preference!
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).