This easy crab dip recipe can be served as an upscale appetizer or at a casual backyard dinner party. Your guests will be impressed.
I Feel Like I’m At The Beach Cold Crab Dip Recipe
Crab dip is always a special treat for our family. We usually make it when we have a family vacation at the beach. You must understand that we love catching crabs, which has a competitive edge for some family members. It’s great, though, because even the younger kids can participate.
However, if we are not at the beach, it can be challenging to purchase fresh crab meat. So, I wanted to create an easy-to-make cold crab dip, but I realized not everyone has access to fresh lump crab meat. I have solved this problem by using canned lump crab meat. You will get all the sweetness of fresh crab, but it is easy to find in most grocery stores, and it’s more economical to buy than fresh. They usually stock it near the tuna fish and sardines.
Also, if you enjoy hot crab dip, be sure to make my Crock Pot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe. It features a warm, creamy, cheesy texture packed with classic crab seasonings.
Do you enjoy making easy dips when hosting a dinner party, making a snack for a casual get-together, or taking to a potluck? I have made it easy for you to find the perfect dip recipe when you visit my Easy Make Ahead Party Dips For A Crowd.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Dip Base: Cream Cheese, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. I don’t have a specific brand I used for these items, just what is on sale that week.
- Seasonings: Old Bay, garlic, tabasco, lemon juice, and salt & pepper. One note, be sure you use real fresh squeezed lemon, it tastes much better than the green bottle kind.
- Crab: I use lump crab meat for easy convenience, and it’s budget-friendly when checking out.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
What is Lump Crab Meat?
Lump crab meat refers to the large, choice chunks of crab meat from the body of the blue crabs. It’s known for its sweet, delicate flavor and is often used in recipes where the texture and flavor of the crab are prominent, such as crab cakes or crab dips.
Tips For Using Canned Crab
- Remove: When you open a can of lump crab, be sure to remove the thin white paper on top and bottom of the canned crab meat before using it. This is usually a protective layer and is not meant to be eaten.
- Rinse: When you purchase crab meat in a can, it is a good idea to use a small mesh colander and rinse the crab meat before using it to remove any excess salt or brine.
How To Make Easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe
Prepare The Ingredients
- Begin by rinsing your canned crab meat. Be sure to discard the thin paper on the top and bottom of the can.
- Shred all your cheeses. Then zest your lemon if you would like to sprinkle some fresh zest on top of your finished crab dip. Next, squeeze the lemon juice. Mince your garlic.
- Add all of the ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
Mix and Taste
- Blend all the crab dip ingredents together to form a creamy, smooth texture. It will take about a minute of mixing to be sure everything is incorporated well.
- After mixing the crab dip, give it a quick taste. If you like a spicier crab dip, then double the Old Bay Seasoning or sprinkle in some hot sauce.
Can I Make This Dip In Advance?
Yes, you can make this creamy cold crab dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
How Do I Serve Crab Dip?
- Fill a decorative serving dish with chilled crab dip. Place the serving dish on a larger platter filled with ice to keep the dip fresh and at a safe temperature.
- Surround the dip with an assortment of toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or colorful vegetable sticks such as bell peppers, celery or carrot sticks.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! If you loved this recipe, please consider sharing what you liked about it & give it a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support and time mean a lot to me!
Creamy 5-Minute Cold Crab Dip
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces lump crab meat, canned
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, Frank’s hot sauce or preferred brand
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Open the can of crab meat, remove any paper from the top and bottom, and place the crab in a fine-mesh colander. Rinse gently and allow it to drain thoroughly.12 ounces lump crab meat
- Shred the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- Mince the garlic.1 clove garlic
- Zest the lemon, then juice it to yield the lemon juice.
- If the cream cheese is not already soft, remove the wrapper and gently soften it in the microwave until very soft but not runny.
Mix the Dip
- In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.12 ounces lump crab meat, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1 cup pepper jack cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 clove garlic, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired by adding additional Old Bay seasoning.
Serve
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the top with lemon zest or chopped green onions before serving.1 teaspoon lemon zest
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Make Ahead
- Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled in a decorative bowl placed on a platter filled with ice to keep it cool.
- Pair with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or carrot sticks.