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    Home » Recipes » Fish and Seafood

    Hot Cheesy Crab Dip (Perfect for Parties!)

    By: Kim Peterson · Posted: Dec 12, 2019 · Updated: Jan 30, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This super delish Hot Cheesy Crab Dip loaded with lump crab meat and three cheeses is totally addictive. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes making it perfect for game days and entertaining! It's actually a year-round staple that gets devoured in no time. Regardless of the season or occasion, you'll love having this quick and easy, go-to recipe in your back pocket that's totally adaptable to what's in the fridge.

    Remember to PIN THIS to save the recipe for later!

    Hot Cheesy Crab Dip – this crazy delish appetizer is loaded with lump crabmeat, three cheeses and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for game days and entertaining!

    Key Ingredients & Substitutions

    Here's a brief rundown of the main components and suggestions on what to substitute.

    • Crab - I use Phillips Jumbo Lump Crab but you can also use fresh or canned crab meat. Plus, you can even make this dip using shrimp or lobster.
    • Cheese - Smooth melting cheeses are the way to go, and I combined cream cheese with fontina and parmesan. Gruyere, cheddar, swiss, gouda and havarti are excellent choices as well.
    • Veggies - There are no boundaries here so use what your gang likes most. I went with a simple combo of green onion and red bell pepper with a jalapeno and fresh garlic for a little zing. Artichokes and sauteed spinach or mushrooms would be really delish but my kids aren't fans so I left them out this time around.
    • Binders and Flavor - I added a little mayo to help keep the dip smooth (sour cream works too) and added extra flavor with a bit of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and fresh parsley. Feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce for some kick if you prefer.
    lump crabmeat, cheeses, peppers and other ingredients displayed in bowls on a wooden surface

    Once you have your all-star list of ingredients together, mix them without the crab meat until well combined then fold in the crab at the end. This ensures those succulent hunks remain intact as much as possible. Then transfer the mixture into your baking vehicle of choice. I love using cast iron but you can use any ovenproof skillet or medium casserole dish as well.

    crab mixture spread into cast iron skillet and ready to bake

    After baking for just about 15 minutes, you'll have a bubbly golden, mouthwatering crab dip just waiting to win over your gang. Pop open your favorite bevvy and dig in. Hope you enjoy! Cheers!!

    Crab dip served straight from skillet with toasted baguette slices

    More Crab Recipes to Try!

    Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes w/ White Wine Lemon Sauce

    Spicy Pasta & Crab Carbonara w/ Burrata

    Mini Crab Puff Pastry Quiches

    Grilled Romain Lump Crab Salad w/ Green Goddess Dressing

    Before you go, stay in touch on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, and join our email community by subscribing above!

    Hot Cheesy Crab Dip – this crazy delish appetizer is loaded with lump crabmeat, three cheeses and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for game days and entertaining! #crabdip #crabrecipes #hotcrabdip #hotcrabdipeasy #crabdiphotappetizers #partyappetizers #quickandeasyappetizers #gamedayfood #skilletrecipes #giveitsomethyme | giveitsomethyme.com

    Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

    This addictive Hot Cheesy Crab Dip is loaded with lump crabmeat, three cheeses and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for game days and entertaining!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Dip
    Cuisine: American, Seafood
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 355kcal
    Author: Kim Peterson

    Equipment

    • Cast iron skillet
    • Hand Mixer

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces cream cheese , room temperature
    • 2 cups shredded fontina or white cheddar cheese , divided
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese , plus extra to sprinkle on top
    • 1 small red bell pepper , diced
    • 1 jalapeño , diced
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ⅓ cup sliced green onions , plus extra for garnish
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
    • 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ lemon, juiced
    • Salt and white pepper , to taste
    • Dash of hot pepper sauce (optional)
    • 1 pound lump crab meat , picked over, removing any cartilage

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Add all ingredients to a large bowl except the crab meat and ½ cup fontina.
    • With a handheld mixer, blend until well combined.
    • Gently fold in crab meat.
    • Evenly spread mixture in a lightly greased, 10-inch cast iron or ovenproof skillet, or 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining fontina and some extra parmesan cheese.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes. Switch oven to broiler on high, and broil 2-3 minutes until top is slightly browned and bubbly. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
    • Garnish dip with sliced green onion and serve with crostini, crackers or pita chips. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *Crab dip mixture can be prepared a day ahead. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 1007mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1371IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 319mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @giveitsomethyme or tag #giveitsomethyme!

    This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, whenever you purchase an item after clicking an Amazon link through this website, we receive a small percentage from Amazon. It doesn’t cost anything extra to you! It simply helps maintain the blog. Thanks so much!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Summer says

      December 22, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      Would this work to use in stuffed mushrooms?

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        December 23, 2021 at 10:03 am

        Excellent idea! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    2. Ben @ Havocinthekitchen says

      December 17, 2019 at 11:46 am

      I don't really need a complicated Christmas menu. Just give me a couple of dips and cheese appetizers, and I will be a happy man 🙂 This dip looks and sounds irresistibly delicious and rich. Perfect for the holiday season!

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        December 17, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        I'm with you, Ben. No need to get too complicated! Plus it's a real crowd-pleaser! 🙂

        Reply

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    Kim | Creator and Author of Give it Some Thyme

    Welcome! I'm Kim - author, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Give it Some Thyme. Here you'll find wholesome, classic and contemporary recipes that make memorable meals every home chef can prepare. Pull up a chair!

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