Creamy Cold Crab Dip Recipe (Easy 5-Minute Appetizer)

Creamy Cold Crab Dip Recipe (Easy 5-Minute Appetizer)

This cold crab dip recipe is an easy-to-make appetizer made with cream cheese, crab meat, lemon, and classic seafood seasoning for a smooth, scoopable texture. It's a great choice for hosting because you can make it ahead of time, which keeps the party planning chill.

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 1/4 cups

Calories 330

Author Gina Dickson

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

Notes

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead: You can make this dip up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. It actually comes together better once it’s had a little time to chill.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s too firm.

Nutrition