Go Back
Homemade The Best Easy Crab Dip photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

The Best Easy Crab Dip

This crab dip is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy, savory, and loaded with crab, it’s the ultimate appetizer for any gathering.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy, Easy, Seafood
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 small red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 16 ounces lump crab meat drained, if canned
  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded (1 cup shredded)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (1.5 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip.
  • To the cream cheese mixture, fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Gently fold in the lump crab meat, sautéed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Be careful not to break up the crab too much—keep those beautiful lumps intact!
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the crab dip.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear!

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Baking Dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Serve with crispy crackers, baguettes, or veggies for dipping.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.