Looking for an easy and delicious appetizer to impress your guests? Look no further than this Cheesy Hot Crab Dip! With only four ingredients, this dish is not only incredibly quick and easy to make, but also bursting with flavor. The creamy and savory combination of lump crabmeat and Garlic and Herb cheese is complemented by the crunch of toasted slivered almonds and the freshness of chopped chives or parsley. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick snack, this Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is always a hit!

Table of Contents
  1. You’ll love this Hot Crab Dip Recipe
  2. Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients
  3. Hot Crab Dip Variations
  4. How to make Cheesy Crab Dip
  5. Storing and Reheating Hot Crab Dip
  6. What to serve with Cheese Crab Dip
  7. Crab Dip Recipe Hot FAQs
  8. Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe

Robert and I both love lump crabmeat. He makes killer crab cakes, and I like to make our Seafood Lasagna (also in my cookbook A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®) as well as various crab dips and canapés. We both especially love Crab Dip. I have several different recipes that I’ve both collected and created over the years. I have to say that this Fast, 4-ingredient Cheesy Crap Dip is a favorite!

You’ll love this Hot Crab Dip Recipe

There are many reasons to love this 4-ingredient hot crab dip, including that it’s:

  1. Quick and easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
  2. Rich and creamy, with a savory and satisfying flavor.
  3. Easily customized by adjusting the amount of ingredients or adding in other seasonings or spices.

In sum, this recipe is perfect for those who love crab, cheese, and almonds, and are looking for a delicious and quick way to enjoy them all in one dish.

Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients

Here’s all you need to make inviting cheesy dip, along with alternative ingredients:

  • Garlic and Herb Cheese (Rondelé or Alouette brand) – can also use other flavors of Rondelé or Alouette tub cheeses, or substitute Boursin cheese
  • Toasted slivered almonds – can also use sliced almonds
  • Fresh chives or Italian (flat leaf) parsley – substitute fresh dill or cilantro; can also omit, but I like the pop of green color the herbs add
  • Good quality lump crabmeat – I’m partial to the Phillips brand I buy at Costco. It has the perfect crab flavor – briny and sweet with a hint of saltiness
overhead view showing the 4 ingredients needed to make this crab dip

Hot Crab Dip Variations

There are many ways to make this dip your own:

  • Ingredients – add (or sub for the chives/parsley) chopped fresh dill, curry powder, Old Bay Seasoning, chopped green onions, chopped shallots or a splash of lemon juice.
  • Presentation – scatter some/all of the almonds on top of the dip mixture instead of mixing inside. Just watch carefully when baking so they don’t burn. Or, you could scoop dollops of the crab mixture into the baking dish and not smooth the top, for an even more rustic look.

Quick Tip

Make sure your crabmeat is dry. Some brands of crab can be wet, which will affect the texture of your dip. To avoid watery dip, place any wet crab on a sheet of paper towel and pat it dry with another sheet before using. This process will help remove any excess moisture and ensure that your hot crab dip has the right consistency.

How to make Cheesy Crab Dip

It only takes 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 20 minutes of cook time to prepare this delectable crab dish:

  1. Prep oven.
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients.
    In a medium mixing bowl, stir together cheese, almonds and chives or parsley. Gently fold in crab. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake.
    Spoon mixture into a shallow baking dish and bake for around 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and light brown on the top. If bubbly but not browned, place under the broiler for a minute or two.
  4. Cool slightly, serve.
    Remove dip from oven and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes to cool, then serve.
close up overhead view of ot crap dip with a portion removed, showing the inside

Storing and Reheating Hot Crab Dip

This crab dip can be prepared earlier in the day but not heated, covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.

What to serve with Cheese Crab Dip

Serve this dip with:

overhead view of ot crap dip with a portion removed, showing the inside

Crab Dip Recipe Hot FAQs

What is lump crab meat?

Lump crab meat comes from the body of the crab rather than the legs or claws. It is considered the highest quality of crab meat available (especially “jumbo” lump) because of its sweet, delicate flavor and texture. You’ll find it in the refrigerated or frozen section of most major grocery stores.

Why is my crab dip watery?

Most likely your crab dip is watery because the crab wasn’t drained enough. In addition, if the crab is still very wet after draining, it should be patted dry with a paper towel.

How do I make my crab dip thicker?

You shouldn’t need to thicken this crab dip recipe – it’s already very thick. If yours is a bit thin, I would suggest cooling it, then wrapping and refrigerating it for a few hours. As it sits it should thicken. A quicker option is to stir in tablespoon breadcrumbs – the bread will absorb any excess moisture.

What kind of crackers are good with crab dip?

I like to serve this crab dip recipe with Ritz butter crackers or Carrs Table Water.

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close up overhead view of ot crap dip with a portion removed, showing the inside

Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe

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With only four ingredients, this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe is not only incredibly quick and easy to make, but also bursting with flavor. The creamy and savory combination of lump crabmeat and Garlic and Herb cheese is complemented by the crunch of toasted slivered almonds and the freshness of chopped chives or parsley. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick snack, this Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is always a hit!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Around 1 3/4 cups; serves around 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together cheese, almonds and chives or parsley. Gently fold in crab. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Mixture will be thick.)
  3. Spoon mixture into a shallow baking dish and bake for around 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and light brown on the top. If bubbly but not browned, place under the broiler for a minute or two.
  4. Serve with crackers (I like it with butter crackers), toasted baguette slices and/or celery.

Notes

Make ahead: Can be made earlier in the day, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Ingredient substitutions:

  • Garlic and Herb Cheese – can also use other flavors of Rondelé or Alouette tub cheeses, or substitute Boursin cheese
  • Toasted slivered almonds – can also use sliced almonds
  • Fresh chives or Italian (flat leaf) parsley – can omit, but I like the pop of green color the herb adds

Variation in presentation: scatter almonds on top of dip mixture instead of mixing inside. Just watch carefully when baking so they don’t burn. Or, scoop dollops of the crab mixture into the baking dish and not smooth the top, for a more rustic look.

  • Author: Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: appetizers, quick and easy, gluten free
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

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overhead view of ot crap dip with a portion removed, showing the inside

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About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.


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