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This hot & cheesy Crockpot Crab Dip is the ultimate party and gathering snack. Chunks of lump crab meat are cooked in the slow cooker alongside seasonings, cream cheese, garlic, hot sauce, and shredded cheese. Serve with an assortment of crackers, bread, pita chips, and vegetable sticks for a crowd favorite appetizer.
For another way to use lump crab meat try these Air Fryer Crab Cakes.
Easy Crab Dip Recipe (Crockpot Crab Dip)
This cream crab dip is the best party dip because it can stay warmed in the slow cooker for the entire event! It also makes the perfect snacking option for game day – serve it alongside an assortment of dipping options and you have a delicious appetizer dip that everyone goes crazy for!
I love crockpot dip recipes because they are great for making ahead of time and even better because the crockpot naturally keeps it warm by simply putting it on the WARM heat setting for the entire event.
Dips are also my go-to gathering and party option because you can serve them with a bunch of different dipping options, that way everyone can choose their favorite and dip away.
Ingredients Needed For This Deliciously Creamy Dip
- Cream Cheese : I highly recommend only using full-fat cream cheese in this hot dip recipe. You want (and need) the fat, creaminess, and taste that only full-fat REAL cream cheese can offer. Lite or reduced-fat cream cheese has more water in it which makes it not as thick and affects the taste.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese : For the best smooth & creamy melt on the cheese, buy a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself using a box grater.
- Mayonnaise : I like using full-fat mayo but lite mayonnaise could work here if needed.
- Sliced Green Onions
- Lemon : Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is the key ingredients to provide that tang and acid to complement the crab flavor. I don’t recommend using bottled lemon juice.
- Garlic Cloves : Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed. Use chopped garlic from a jar. Or garlic paste can also be used.
- Hot Sauce : This is technically optional but I highly recommend using it because it adds tons of needed flavor but not necessarily any spice or heat. if wanted, use half the amount to cut back on the spice level.
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Lump Crab Meat : This can be canned crab meat (similar to the tuna sized cans), fresh crab meat, or the refrigerated kind that comes in the container ready-to-use. I usually just use canned crab meat cause it’s easiest. Costco also sells a really good container of fresh lump crab meat that works well in this crock pot dip recipe. I don’t suggest using imitation crab meat as the flavor is sweeter and different than lump crabmeat.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Hot Crab Dip Recipe
Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic, fresh lemon juice, old bay seasoning, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the crock pot insert. Stir together with a wooden spoon or spatula until mixed well.
Gently stir the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW heat for 2-3 hours.
Before serving, stir the crock pot crab dip, and serve it alongside dipping options; crackers, vegetable sticks, or baguette slices or great choices.
How Should I Store Leftover Crab Dip?
Any leftover dip should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat the crab dip inside the microwave OR heat in an oven-safe baking dish at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes. The dip can also be eaten as a cold dip (if wanted) from the fridge.
I don’t recommend freezing this hot crab dip because once frozen and thawed, the cream cheese and mayonnaise will take on a weird texture.
What Are Some Substitutions I Can Make?
- Cheddar Cheese : You could use white cheddar cheese, mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese is the best cheese to use for the dip so I recommend sticking with some variation of cheddar.
- Mayonnaise : 1/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt is a healthier option instead of mayonnaise if wanted.
- Garlic : Garlic powder can be used instead. You will only need 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if using.
What Should I Serve With Slow Cooker Crab Dip?
- Tortilla Chips
- Pita Chips/ Pita Crackers
- Baguette Slices : You can buy these pre-sliced or buy a some baguette bread, crusty bread, or sourdough bread and cut it yourself into small chunks or slices.
- Crackers : Ritz, Club, or Wheat Thins crackers are all great options.
- Fresh Vegetable Sticks : Celery, carrot, or cucumber slices.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! Because this is a hot dip that is made in the slow cooker, you can make it ahead of the event or party, and leave the crockpot on WARM for several hours to keep the dip warmed. To make the dip ahead of time, but not to cook it, go ahead and mix all the ingredients together (as directed in the recipe) and store the crab mixture in a covered container, in the fridge, until ready to heat and serve.
What Can I Do With Leftover Crab Dip?
Some yummy options for leftovers include making crab wontons or add it to grilled cheese for a cheesy crab toasted sandwich.
When Would Be The Best Time To Serve This Dip Recipe?
It’s an excellent make-and-take for potlucks or get-togethers. It also makes a good appetizer or snack to have on hand for parties, game day, or gatherings.
Try These Other Dip Recipes
- Ultimate Cowboy Queso
- Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Texas Trash Dip
- Creamy Boat Dip
- Fried Pickle Dip
- Crockpot Bean Dip
- Layered Taco Dip
- Fiesta Ranch Dip
Crockpot Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 2 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese really soft
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, pressed, chopped, or paste)
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (use less for mild heat or omit it)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound canned or refrigerated lump crab meat (16 ounces)
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic, fresh lemon juice, old bay seasoning, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the crock pot insert. Stir together with a wooden spoon or spatula until mixed well.2 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, 3 cloves garlic, 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Gently stir the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture.1 pound canned or refrigerated lump crab meat
- Cover and cook on LOW heat for 3 hours.
- Before serving, stir the crock pot crab dip, and serve it alongside dipping options; crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices are great choices
Nutrition
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