Warm Crab Dip

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy, savory crab dip blending lump crab meat, artichokes, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Its warm, cheesy flavor with a hint of heat makes it an irresistible appetizer served with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • 3 (6 oz.) cans lump crab meat, drained
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • paprika for coloring
  • 1 lb. cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup liquid from jar of pickled jalapeno chiles
  • 4 to 8 pickled jalapeno chiles, stemmed and sliced

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, jalapeno liquid, and sliced jalapenos in a medium-heavy pan over low heat.
  2. Cook until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Stir in drained artichoke hearts and sour cream.
  4. Stir often until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
  5. Add crab meat and Parmesan cheese, then stir to combine.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the mixture just begins to simmer.
  7. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. If you prefer a spicier dip, add more pickled jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. Remember to stir regularly to prevent sticking, especially as the cream cheese melts. This warm crab dip can also be served in a bread bowl for a fun presentation, similar to recipes like Superb Crab Fondue.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this warm crab dip with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. It also pairs well with fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips. For a more substantial appetizer, consider serving it alongside Hot Kolbassi Appetizer or Pink Shrimp Dip for a seafood-themed gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't overcook or become rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Warm Crab Dip contains roughly 77 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

77 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 13.9g 5% DV
Fiber 5.2g 19% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 936mg 41% DV
Potassium 393.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 401.3mcg 45% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 87.7mg 7% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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

How can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Consider making it ahead for gatherings or parties!

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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