The Best Creamy Crab Dip Recipe for Holidays, Parties, and Easy Entertaining

If you’re looking for an easy hot crab dip that’s rich, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—this is it. This baked creamy crab dip is packed with real lump crab meat, tangy sour cream, melted cheese, and just the right amount of Old Bay for that coastal, crave-worthy flavor.

It’s the kind of appetizer that people hover around.

It’s the kind of appetizer that people hover around. You know the one—where everyone’s “just taking a little taste” until suddenly the dish is empty. We’ve made it for Christmas Eve, Fourth of July, tailgate parties, and even Tuesday nights when we wanted something fancy without the effort.

All you need is one bowl, one baking dish, and about 30 minutes

All you need is one bowl, one baking dish, and about 30 minutes. It's perfect for dipping crackers, baguette slices, or even celery if you're trying to be virtuous. Bonus: it’s easily adaptable for gluten-free, spicy, or dairy-free guests.

So if you’ve been searching for a no-fail crab dip recipe for your next get-together, this one’s a keeper.

🦀 Why You'll Love This Creamy Crab Dip

Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves it—yes, even the picky cousin.
Easy to prepare: Just mix, bake, and serve!
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable: Works for gluten-free, dairy-free, spicy, or herby variations.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings Yield: 6–8 servings (as an appetizer)

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this baked crab dip:

8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped green onions (green and white parts)
8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or refrigerated—drained and cartilage removed)
Optional: A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat

🔎 Ingredient Tip: For the best texture and flavor, use lump crab meat. If you're using canned, be sure to drain thoroughly and check for any shell pieces.

🔪 Essential Utensils

Before you start, grab the following kitchen tools:

Large mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Spatula or wooden spoon
8-inch oven-safe baking dish (or similar size)
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Nonstick cooking spray or a little olive oil

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven. Lightly grease your baking dish with nonstick spray or brush with olive oil.

Step 2: Soften your cream cheese

Place your 8 oz of cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. If it's still a bit firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften. This makes it easier to mix everything together smoothly.

Step 3: Mix the creamy base

Add the following to the bowl with the cream cheese:

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder

Using a hand mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease), beat everything together until completely smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no clumps remain.

Step 4: Add the cheese and green onions

Fold in the following using a rubber spatula:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped green onions

Mix just until combined. This is your creamy, cheesy base.

Step 5: Fold in the crab

Gently add the 8 oz lump crab meat into the bowl. Carefully fold it into the cheese mixture with your spatula. Try not to break up the crab too much—you want nice, juicy chunks throughout the dip.

Step 6: Transfer to baking dish

Spoon the entire mixture into your greased baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Optional: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese and a light dusting of Old Bay over the top for a golden, flavorful finish.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

📌 Watch Closely: Every oven is different. Start checking at 20 minutes. You want bubbling edges and a hot, gooey center.

Step 8: Cool slightly and serve

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. It will thicken slightly as it sits. Serve warm with your favorite dippers (see ideas below!).

🥖 What to Serve with Crab Dip

Best Dippers:

Buttery crackers (like Ritz or Club)
Toasted baguette slices
Tortilla chips or pita chips
Fresh-cut veggies (celery, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds)
Soft pretzel bites or sticks

Pairing Suggestions:

A crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay)
Sparkling lemonade or citrusy cocktails
Light beer or wheat ale
Fresh fruit platter or a green salad on the side

♻️ Variations and Customizations

🧑‍🍳 Want to mix it up? Try these:

Spicy: Add 1–2 teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Seafood Swap: Sub chopped cooked shrimp or flaked smoked salmon for crab.
Herby: Add 1–2 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free: The dip itself is gluten-free. Just use gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.

🧊 Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it (unbaked) in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed—add 5 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds.

Can I Freeze It?

Yes! Freeze the unbaked dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip cold instead of baked?

Yes! Just skip the baking step and serve it chilled. Add an extra splash of lemon juice and some fresh herbs to brighten it up.

What type of crab should I use?

Lump crab meat (fresh or canned) is best. Avoid imitation crab if possible—it has a totally different texture and taste.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Other outstanding Appetizers for you to enjoy

The Best Jalapeño Dip > One bite of this dip and suddenly he’s more excited about what’s in the bowl than what’s in the garage.

Classic deviled eggs with paprika > a creamy, tangy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holidays, family gatherings, and potlucks.

Sweet and Spicy Black Bean Raspberry Chipotle Dip > combines bold flavors for a unique appetizer. Perfect for parties, this dip pairs well with chips or veggies.