If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet impressive appetizer that your guests will absolutely love, look no further than this Cold Crab Dip recipe. The best part? There’s no baking, broiling, or heating required at all! You can whip it up in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your dinner party.

As a Maryland native, my love for crab runs deep. Opting for high-quality crabmeat is essential, and if you can find local options, even better! A pinch of Old Bay seasoning is also a must for that authentic touch.

From here, you can create a whole lineup of delectable crab dishes—from Maryland Crab Cakes to Crab Stuffed Shrimp, even to a zesty Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad. But, trust me, nothing beats this crab dip when you want to impress your guests!

There’s a special charm in baked crab dips, but sometimes you just want a cold option without the hassle of preheating the oven—especially during the busy holiday season. This creamy, delicious crab dip is a lifesaver, made with real lump crabmeat and packed with flavor, perfect for any gathering!

• 1 pound lump crabmeat – Lump crabmeat provides the best texture and flavor. While jumbo lump is great, you can save money with regular lump crab, and Maryland blue crab is my top choice!
• 6 ounces cream cheese – A staple for creamy dips. Full-fat is the way to go for rich flavor, but you can substitute with crème fraîche for a lighter version.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – Hellman’s is a personal favorite. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt in its place for a tangier taste.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – It adds a savory depth; feel free to skip it if you don’t have it.
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – A must for crab dishes! If you don’t have it, a pinch of chili powder works as well.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Add fresh minced garlic if you prefer a garlicky kick.
• ¼ cup fresh chives – Perfect for the dip and garnishing; sub with parsley or green onions if needed.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Adjust to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper – To taste, for that extra flavor boost.

Let’s get started with making this delightful dip!

1. Begin by placing 1 pound of lump crabmeat into a colander over the sink. Rinse the crabmeat under cold water, then gently squeeze the clumps to remove as much moisture as you can. Be careful to pick out any shell pieces.

   
   

2. Next, juice and zest one lemon. You should end up with about 2 teaspoons of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice.

   
   

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh chives.

   
   

   Blend the mixture using a hand mixer on medium-low speed until you achieve a smooth consistency.

4. Gently fold in the cleansed crabmeat. Then, season with freshly cracked black pepper, and adjust the taste with extra salt, Old Bay, or lemon juice, as desired.

   
   

5. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra chopped chives and a sprinkle of Old Bay before serving.

Leftover crab dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can cover the serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Can I make this crab dip in advance?

Absolutely! This dip is fantastic for preparing ahead of time. In fact, letting the flavors meld together overnight can enhance the taste. Just chill it until you’re ready to serve.

Can you make this dip with imitation crab meat?

Yes, you can. While I recommend fresh crab meat for the best flavor and texture, imitation crab will work. Just chop it into small pieces before adding it to the dip.

How spicy can I make this crab dip?

If you’d like to crank up the heat, consider adding extra Old Bay seasoning, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. For a cheesier dip, incorporate some parmesan cheese into the mixture.

What should I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, tortilla chips, or pita chips. You can even go low-carb by serving it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrots, or bell pepper strips.

What can I do with leftover crab dip?

If you have any leftovers, try spreading some on a tortilla, add a sprinkle of cheese, and grill it for scrumptious crab quesadillas.

If your cream cheese is a bit too cold, it can make mixing challenging. If you forget to let it warm to room temperature, give it a quick 10-second zap in the microwave at 50% power to soften it up.

This easy crab dip serves as the perfect appetizer for any holiday celebration. Pair it with other crowd-pleasers like Baked Camembert with Hot Honey, Truffled Deviled Eggs, or Cranberry Brie Bites for a complete spread.