Hot crab dip is an easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve Philadelphia cream cheese crab dip with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a delicious snack or appetizer.

It costs approximately $14.74 to make this hot crab dip recipe. The recipe makes ten servings for about $1.47 per serving. 

An overhead picture of the finished Hot Crab Dip with carrots, cucumber, pretzels, and crackers surrounding it.

Crab Dip

If you need an easy dip that will impress any crowd, this Hot Crab Dip is for you. It only takes ten minutes to prepare and about twenty minutes to make. 

Take this dip to your next family gathering, potluck, game day party, holiday party, or any other event, and watch it be the first appetizer to go! Everyone loves this Hot Crab Dip and will ask you to share the recipe!

What You’ll Love About Philadelphia Cream Cheese Crab Dip:

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: This recipe is super easy to make. It comes together quickly and provides a delicious appetizer for any event. 
  • Versatile Appetizer: There are various serving options for this dip. Some ideas include crackers, vegetables, bread, or tortilla chips. There is something for everyone!
  • Texture: The creamy dip is baked to perfection with a golden bubbly top that is slightly crispy. 
Some of the finished Crab Dip on a white plate along with dippers.

Crab Dip Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $1.47

Recipe Cost: $14.74

  • 8 ounce block cream cheese – $3.49
  • ½ cup sour cream – $1.20
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise – $0.26
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice – $0.06
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese – $1.50
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – $0.07
  • ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard – $0.24
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.04
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt – $0.01
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – $0.03
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, canned – $7.84

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in October 2023.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make Crab Dip

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Then, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. 
  3. Add in the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. 
  4. Stir until combined. 
  5. Next, stir in the crab meat until combined and evenly spread the mixture into a small casserole dish. 
  6. Finally, bake the dish for twenty to twenty-five minutes and serve.

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy crab dip: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dip for a kick.
  • Cajun Crab Dip: Add 1 Tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons of Tobasco hot sauce, and chill the dip! No need to bake it! 
  • Garlic parmesan crab dip: Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the dip for a more garlicky flavor.
  • Spinach and artichoke crab dip: Add ½ cup of chopped spinach and ¼ cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the dip for a more flavorful and nutritious dish.
  • Bacon and jalapeño crab dip: Add ¼ cup of crumbled bacon and ¼ cup of chopped jalapeños to the dip for a smoky and spicy flavor.
  • Crab rangoon dip: Add ¼ cup of chopped water chestnuts and ¼ cup of chopped green onions for a flavor similar to crab rangoon appetizers.

Hot Crab Dip Storage Tips

Serving:

  • Serve the crab dip immediately after baking with your favorite accompaniments, such as crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, or sliced baguette.
  • The dip can be served warm or at room temperature.

Storing:

  • Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze the dip for up to 3 months. To freeze, spread the dip in an even layer in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly.

Thawing:

  • Thaw frozen Philadelphia cream cheese crab dip overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:

  • To reheat the crab dip from the refrigerator, place it in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
A cracker dipping into Philadelphia cream cheese crab dip.

Crab Dip Recipe FAQs

Is canned crab meat real crab?

Canned crab meat is real crab meat that is pre-cooked and preserved when canned. However, the canned crab can be imitation meat. I prefer to use real crab meat brands, so be careful to check the labels when shopping.

Why is my crab dip runny?

This could be due to not draining the crab meat from the can. Drain as much liquid as possible before adding the crab meat to the other ingredients.

What is the best cracker to serve with crab dip?

Sturdy crackers like Triscuits are a fabulous option for this delicious hot crab dip recipe. Other great options include Wheat Thins, Ritz, and other buttery or herb-flavored crackers.

What to serve with crab dip?

More Recipes:

A close up picture of the finished Hot Crab Dip Recipe in a baking dish.
3.50 from 4 votes

Hot Crab Dip

Recipe Cost $ $14.74
Serving Cost $ $1.47
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
10 people
Hot crab dip is an easy-to-make appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. Serve the dip with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • handheld mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing spoon
  • 2 quart casserole dish

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 ounce block cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound lump crab meat canned

Instructions

PREP OVEN:

  • Move oven rack to the middle position.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

MIX DIP:

  • In a large bowl beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Stir in crab meat until well combined.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into a small casserole baking dish (around 1.5-2 quarts).

BAKE:

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

SERVE:

  • Serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables or sliced baguette.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.4cup | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 772mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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