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A cast-iron skillet with hot and cheesy crab dip.
Print Recipe

The BEST Hot Crab Dip

Hot & cheesy Hot Crab Dip is the ultimate party appetizer. Sweet crab meat, baked with cheese, lemon, and spices, makes a cheesy, bubbling hot dip for any gathering.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Appetizer, Cheese, Crab, Party
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • Sheet pan
  • parchment paper
  • skillet oven-safe
  • hand mixer
  • bowl

Ingredients

  • Small baguette cut into slices
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic peeled and sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 can crab meat 170g or 6 oz
  • 1 pkg cream cheese 250g or 8 oz
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend divided
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons chives finely chopped, divided

Other serving options

  • Crackers, tortilla chips, vegetable crudité, soft pretzels

Instructions

Make Crostini

  • Turn the oven on to Broil. Prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Brush baguette slices with olive oil, and then rub the bread with the sliced garlic. Repeat on the other side.
  • Toast under the broiler for about a minute on each side. Remove and set aside.

Make the Hot Crab Dip

  • Set oven temperature to 350°F.
  • In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, the juice from ½ lemon using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until well blended. Optional: if you used garlic for the crostini, you can mince any leftover garlic and add that as well.
  • Gently mix in 1 tablespoon of the chives, ¼ cup of the shredded cheese, and the drained crab meat until blended.
  • Add crab mixture into a cast iron skillet or small baking dish and smooth out. Sprinkle over the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Turn on the broiler, and broil until the cheese on top is melted, beginning to brown, and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining 1 Tablespoon of chives.
  • Serve Hot Crab Dip with the toasted crostini or one of the options listed above.

Notes

Note: This recipe doubles and triples very well!
Did you make The BEST Hot Crab Dip? Post a photo on Instagram, and tag me @dinneratlulus and use the hashtag #dinneratlulus.