I have always loved throwing parties and get-togethers. I get really creative when I plan events like that, and I love coming up with themes for everything from the decorations to the food.
There’s a reason why my Backyard Beach Party post is still popular every year: summer parties are a lot of fun! The only thing I don’t like about them is having to cook a lot of food outside in the heat!
That’s why I quickly came up with some food that I always bring to summer parties, whether they’re outside at a BBQ, on a picnic, or inside. This Cold Crab Dip is GREAT for summer parties because I love a good dip at any event.
In just two easy steps, you can make this recipe, even though it calls for a lot of different things. It’s easy to make ahead of time because it’s served cold [just don’t make it too far ahead of time to keep it fresh!], and everyone loves it. Read on to find out how to make and serve it!.
Crab is a beloved seafood ingredient that can be served hot or chilled. Cold crab dishes make fantastic appetizers for gatherings due to their fresh, vibrant flavors. From dips and spreads to salad rolls and phyllo cups, cold crab appetizers offer seemingly endless recipe possibilities.
As a seafood enthusiast and home cook I love experimenting with new ways to serve cold crab. If you’re looking to add some chilled crab appetizers to your next summer menu, read on for 18 delicious recipe ideas!
Factors to Consider
When working with cold crab keep these factors in mind
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Type of crab meat – Jumbo lump crab meat will give the best texture, but lump, backfin, or claw meat also works well. Imitation crab can be used to save money.
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Complementary flavors – Ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon, dill, chili sauce, avocado, and OLD BAY seasoning pair deliciously with crab.
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Textures – Mix in crunchy veggies, toast points, or crackers to contrast the soft crab meat.
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Make-ahead options – Many chilled crab appetizers can be prepared 1-2 days in advance for easy entertaining.
18 Cold Crab Appetizers to Make
1. Cold Crab Dip
This easy 3-ingredient dip combines crab meat, cream cheese, and OLD BAY seasoning. Serve with crackers or toast points. Garnish with extra OLD BAY on top.
2. Crab Salad Bites
Make an easy salad with crab, celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and spices. Spoon onto endive leaves or lettuce cups for finger-friendly bites.
3. Cheesy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Mix crab with cream cheese, cheddar, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Stuff into mushroom caps and refrigerate until chilled.
4. Dungeness Crab Ceviche
Marinate chopped crab with citrus juice, tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro and seasonings for a fresh ceviche. Serve with tortilla chips.
5. Crab Artichoke Toasts
Top baguette slices with a cheesy crab mixture and baked until hot and bubbly. Cool completely before serving.
6. Crab Phyllo Cups
Fill phyllo dough shells with a crab salad made with mayonnaise, lemon, and fresh dill. Easy to make ahead.
7. Cold Seafood Salad Rolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with crab, shrimp, lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce. A refreshing low-carb appetizer.
8. Crab Guacamole
Fold lump crab gently into creamy guacamole for an easy no-cook appetizer. Serve with tortilla chips.
9. Cold Crab Lettuce Wraps
Sauté aromatics and fold into crab meat with Asian chili sauce. Spoon into lettuce cups and garnish with peanuts.
10. Crab Cheese Ball
Blend cream cheese, crab, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Shape into a ball, chill, and roll in chopped pecans before serving.
11. Chilled Corn & Crab Soup
A sophisticated cold soup made from fresh corn, crab meat, and coconut milk. Garnish bowls with avocado and cilantro.
12. Crab & Shrimp Summer Rolls
Assemble summer rolls with crab, cooked shrimp, rice noodles, lettuce, mint, and peanut dipping sauce.
13. Crab Pasta Salad
Toss crab meat with pasta, diced celery, peas, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill. Chill before serving.
14. Old Bay Crab Deviled Eggs
Fill halved hard boiled eggs with a creamy mixture of crab, mayonnaise, mustard, and OLD BAY seasoning.
15. Crab Cucumber Cups
Fill cucumber slices with a spicy crab salad of cream cheese, chili sauce, green onions, and diced jalapeño.
16. Crab Hand Rolls
Spread sushi rice on nori sheets. Top with crab salad, avocado, carrot, and cucumber. Tightly roll up and slice.
17. Crab & Cream Cheese Wontons
Fill wonton wrappers with crab, cream cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and fold into purses.
18. Crab Louie Salad
A classic salad with crab, greens, hard boiled egg, tomato, avocado, and tangy louie dressing. Serve on salad plates.
Top Tips for Success
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Use high-quality, fresh crab meat for best flavor and texture
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Let chilled dips and appetizers sit overnight in the fridge to allow flavors to meld
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Add citrus juice, herbs, and spices to brighten up rich crab flavors
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Mix in crunchy veggies like celery or bell pepper for contrasting textures
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Accompany crab with tangy, creamy, or spicy sauces to take it to the next level
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Garnish chilled crab appetizers with fresh herbs, chili flakes, or lemon wedges
Ready-to-Serve Cold Crab Appetizers
I hope these ideas have inspired you to prepare some sensational chilled crab appetizers for your upcoming gatherings! With so many tasty options, from dips and hand rolls to salad cups and stuffed mushrooms, you can create an unforgettable seafood spread.
The versatility of crab meat also lends itself well to improvisation. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these recipes by switching up herbs, spices, mix-ins, and presentation styles. Just keep the crab chilled until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crab to use for cold appetizers?
Lump or jumbo lump crab meat will have the best texture. Backfin and claw meat also works well. Avoid using canned crab.
How do you keep crab meat cold before serving?
Keep crab appetizers chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Place dips and spreads in small bowls over ice.
Can you freeze crab appetizers?
Yes, prepared dips, rolls, stuffed mushrooms, etc. can typically be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
What flavors pair well with cold crab?
Lemon, lime, dill, chili sauce, avocado, cream cheese, OLD BAY seasoning, peppers, and herbs.
What are some vegan alternatives to crab?
Try hearts of palm, jackfruit, artichoke hearts, or king oyster mushrooms for plant-based crab-like texture.
How long do chilled crab appetizers last?
Store crab dips and appetizers for 2-3 days max in the fridge. Discard if you notice any sour or off smells.
Can you serve cold crab legs?
Yes, boiled snow crab legs can be served chilled with drawn butter or sauce on the side for dipping.
Is imitation crab good for appetizers?
Yes, imitation crab works well in many chilled appetizers. It’s affordable and holds its texture when mixed into dips.
What if my cold crab dip is runny?
This can happen sometimes when using crab- it just means it didn’t get fully drained. If you want to make sure the consistency is right, add a little cream cheese at a time and stir well each time. When it’s what you like, you’re golden.
What do you eat with crab dip?
Cold Crab Dip is best with crackers, especially salty ones like saltines or butter crackers. You can eat this dip with veggies or even chips, but I think crackers are the best thing to eat with it.
Party planning tip: Set out different kinds of crackers so that guests can make their own perfect bites. It also looks really cute.
