Name: Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 8 oz. sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 4 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish); 1/2 pound crab meat; 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish; Crispy homemade crostini; Ritz crackers

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you adore dishes that bring a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and fresh flavors to your table, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe. This dip is velvety smooth, loaded with tender crab meat, and has just the right amount of spice and zest to keep your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a sophisticated dinner party, or just craving something comforting yet elegant, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love and ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds seven white bowls arranged closely in a loose circle. At the center is a bowl filled with chunks of cooked crab meat with orange and white pieces. To the upper right, a white plate displays a block of smooth, cream-colored cream cheese. Surrounding the center bowl are smaller white bowls: top left with chopped green onions, middle left with a deep reddish-brown spice powder, lower left with thick white sour cream, lower right with shredded pale yellow cheese, middle right with a small amount of dark brown liquid, and bottom center with a clear watery liquid. The image has soft lighting and is cleanly arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create an extraordinary taste experience. Each component plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor, creamy texture, and inviting aroma that make this dish so irresistible.

Cream cheese, 8 oz. (room temperature): The creamy base that makes the dip irresistibly smooth and rich.
Sour cream, 8 oz.: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Injects fresh citrusy notes to lift the entire flavor profile.
Old Bay seasoning, 2 teaspoons: Brings that classic seafood spice blend essential for crab dishes.
Soy sauce, 1 teaspoon: Enhances umami depth, subtly boosting all the flavors.
Green onions, 4 thinly sliced + extra for garnish: Provide a mild onion crunch and fresh color contrast.
Crab meat, ½ pound: The star ingredient offering tender, delicate seafood flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese, 4 oz.: Melts beautifully to form that golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a burst of green freshness and a touch of herbal brightness.
Crispy homemade crostini and Ritz crackers: Perfect vehicles for scooping up every last bit of this luscious dip.

How to Make Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Cream Base

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip to a bubbly perfection. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese and sour cream, then add lemon juice, soy sauce, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures a rich, evenly seasoned base that will hold the crab and green onions beautifully.

Step 2: Blend for a Silky Smooth Texture

Use an electric mixer or a food processor to beat the cream cheese mixture until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps and creating that luscious creaminess that defines the dip.

Step 3: Fold in Crab Meat and Green Onions

Transfer your smooth mixture to a mixing bowl if using a food processor, then gently fold in the delicate crab meat and thinly sliced green onions. Folding rather than stirring vigorously keeps the crab meat intact and evenly distributed throughout the dip.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling hot all around. For an irresistible golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes more, watching closely to avoid burning.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface with three separate layers inside. The bottom right side has a thick, creamy light beige sauce with a smooth texture. To the left, there is a pile of white shredded crab meat with some orange pieces mixed in. At the top, fresh bright green chopped scallions add a fresh contrast. The layers are placed side by side without mixing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches like extra sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley add not only a pop of color but also a lively burst of flavor that cuts through the richness. These garnishes elevate the presentation and enhance each bite with fresh, herbal notes.

Side Dishes

Serve the Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe alongside crispy homemade crostini or classic Ritz crackers for the perfect crunchy contrast. You can also pair it with celery sticks or crisp sliced cucumbers for a lighter, refreshing crunch that complements the creamy dip wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic dip bowl and consider serving in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a charming touch. For a seafood platter, place the dip in the center surrounded by chilled shrimp and crab claws as a stunning appetizer spread that wows your guests visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe can be stored comfortably in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the dip tasting fresh, cover it tightly and avoid mixing it before reheating, as gentle warming will bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to save the dip for a longer time, it freezes well for up to 1 month. Place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Stir halfway if possible. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as the creamy consistency stays silky and luscious when baked slowly.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

While imitation crab can be used, the flavor and texture won’t be as rich or delicate as with real crab meat. For this Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe, real crab is definitely worth the splurge for a more authentic taste.

Is there a way to make this dip spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture to give the dip a satisfying kick without overpowering the crab’s natural flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

To adapt this Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe to be dairy-free, try substituting the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ slightly, but it can still be delicious!

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If Old Bay isn’t on hand, you can create a similar spice mix using celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a touch of garlic powder to mimic its distinctive flavor.

How do I get the perfect golden crust on top?

Baking the dip until it’s bubbly is key, but finishing with 1-2 minutes under the broiler really gives that irresistible golden and slightly crispy cheese topping that makes everyone smile.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, creamy dip filled with fresh crab and vibrant flavors, and this Creamy Baked Crab Dip Recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Once you try it, this dish will become your go-to appetizer, impressing family and friends alike with its perfect balance of comfort and elegance. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the best dips you’ll ever make!