How To Make The Best Cold Crab Dip From Scratch

Cold crab dip is a creamy, tangy, and irresistible party appetizer that is loved by many. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this crowd-pleasing dip at home in no time.

In this article we will go over everything you need to know to make the perfect cold crab dip, including ingredients tips and tricks, frequently asked questions, and some variations to try. Let’s get started!

Ingredients For Cold Crab Dip

The base of most cold crab dip recipes includes just a few key ingredients

• Cream Cheese – Full-fat cream cheese provides the rich, creamy texture that is signature of crab dip. Use block-style cream cheese, not whipped.

• Sour Cream – Sour cream adds tanginess and complements the creaminess of the cream cheese. Regular full-fat sour cream works best.

• Lemon Juice – A squirt of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and prevents the dip from tasting too heavy.

• Crab Meat – Lump or imitation crab meat is folded in gently to create those delicious meaty bites in the dip.

• Seasonings – Old Bay seasoning gives that quintessential crab flavor, while hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or finely chopped herbs add extra depth.

• Green Onions – Sliced green onions give a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof cold crab dip every time:

1. Soften the cream cheese. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and allow it to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also soften it quickly in the microwave in 30 second intervals.

2. Make the creamy base. In a bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth and lump-free.

3. Season the base. Add the lemon juice and seasonings like Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, etc. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

4. Fold in the crab. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps too much.

5. Mix in green onions. Add sliced green onions and gently combine.

6. Chill the dip. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until chilled and set. The flavors will blend further as it chills.

7. Serve. Scoop into a serving bowl and enjoy with crackers, bread, veggie sticks, or chips!

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure the cream cheese is completely smooth and well-blended with the sour cream before adding other ingredients. Any lumps of cream cheese will stay lumpy.

• Go light on the crab folding so you have delicious chunks of crab in each bite.

• Chilling for longer than 2 hours allows the flavors to develop further. You can make it 1-2 days in advance.

• Garnish with extra green onions before serving for a pop of color.

• For a spicier dip, use hot green chilies or add cayenne pepper.

• For an herby flavor, try mixing in chopped dill or parsley.

FAQs

Let’s go over some frequently asked questions about making cold crab dip:

Can you make crab dip ahead of time?

Yes! The mixture can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and chilled until ready to serve. The flavors will become even more blended and delicious.

How long does cold crab dip last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the crab dip will last 4-5 days refrigerated.

Can you freeze crab dip?

It’s not recommended. The dairy-based ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream tend to break down in texture with freezing.

What kind of crab meat do you use?

Imitation crab or lump crab meat works great. Imitation crab is more budget-friendly. Check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain a lot of fillers.

What can I serve with cold crab dip?

Serve with crackers, bread slices, vegetables, chips, or anything sturdy enough to scoop up the dip. Provide a variety of textures.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add a dash of cayenne for some heat.

Variations To Try

• Mexican Street Corn Crab Dip – add cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and corn.

• Buffalo Chicken Crab Dip – use buffalo hot sauce and top with shredded chicken and blue cheese crumbles.

• Bacon Crab Dip – fold in cooked, crumbled bacon.

• Loaded Baked Potato Crab Dip – add cooked potato, cheddar cheese, chives, bacon, and swap sour cream for greek yogurt.

• Pizza Crab Dip – add mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara sauce, italian seasoning.

• Jalapeño Popper Crab Dip – blend in chopped jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and top with more diced jalapeños.

• Cheesy Crab Dip – stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack.

• Ranch Crab Dip – use ranch dressing instead of sour cream.

• Chopped Veggie Crab Dip – fold in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, etc.

• Spinach Artichoke Crab Dip – add chopped spinach, artichokes, garlic, and parmesan.

Perfect Pairings For Serving Cold Crab Dip

Serve your homemade cold crab dip with:

• Crackers – Ritz, Club, Wheat Thins

• Breads – Baguette, Pita, Naan

• Veggies – Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Radishes

• Chips – Tortilla Chips, Pita Chips, Potato Chips

• Pretzels

• Bell Pepper Strips

• Jicama Sticks

• Endive Leaves

• Apple Slices

• Pita Crisps

• Flatbread Crisps

Provide a variety so guests can scoop to their heart’s content!

How To Make A Smaller Batch

The recipe above yields a large bowl, perfect for a crowd. But you can easily cut it in half:

Half Batch Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 3 tbsp sour cream

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• 4 oz lump crab meat

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Follow the same instructions, just use half the amounts. Chill and serve when ready!

Top Tips For Perfect Cold Crab Dip

• Use full-fat dairy for the richest flavor

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps

• Gently fold the crab to keep chunks intact

• Chill for at least 2 hours for best flavor

• Add dash of lemon to brighten up the richness

• Play with mix-ins and seasonings to make it your own

• Make 1-2 days in advance for parties and gatherings

• Provide an assortment of vehicles for dipping

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days

Ready To Dip!

With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can now make the most irresistible cold crab dip right at home. Adjust the seasonings to your taste and get creative with mix-ins. Chill overnight to let those flavors blend before serving alongside crackers, chips, and fresh veggies. Your guests will be begging you for the recipe!