Cold Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
9/8/2026
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This cold crab dip combines finely chopped crab with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay, hot sauce, and lemon juice. It is a simple no-cook appetizer that can be served immediately or refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Cold Crab Dip
- No-Cook Appetizer: Everything comes together in one bowl without turning on the oven.
- Flexible Crab Options: Imitation crab, canned crab, or real lump crab all work because the crab is chopped into small pieces.
- Serve Now or Later: Enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it until serving time.
Cold Crab Dip Ingredients
This recipe uses six core ingredients, plus optional green onion:
- Crab: The photos show imitation crab, but canned crab or real lump crab are easy swaps.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bring the dip together.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it mixes evenly into the dip.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds classic savory seafood seasoning.
- Hot Sauce: Adds a gentle kick; use your favorite variety.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the creamy dip.
- Green Onion: An optional fresh garnish.
What Kind of Crab Works Best?
Imitation crab in either flake or leg form works well here, and it is what you see in the photos. Canned crab or real lump crab can also be used. Whichever variety you choose, chopping it into small pieces helps distribute the crab evenly through the creamy base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip with sturdy crackers, baguette slices, crostini, or fresh vegetables. For an extra-cheesy pairing, try these homemade cheese crackers.
This recipe is intended to be served cold. If you are looking for a warm, baked version, make this Cheesy Hot Crab Dip instead.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Serve the dip immediately, or cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The photos show imitation crab, but canned crab or real lump crab are easy swaps. Chop or mince the crab into small pieces so it is distributed evenly throughout the dip.
Yes. You can serve the dip immediately or cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Keep it chilled when it is not being served.
Store cold crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cold Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. imitation crab meat, flake or leg; canned crab or real lump crab also works
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon green onion, optional
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to mince the crab into small, even pieces, then transfer it to a medium bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, lemon juice, and optional green onion. Stir until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated and the dip is creamy.
- Serve immediately with sturdy crackers or baguette slices, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Notes
- Crab: The photos show imitation crab. Flake or leg-style imitation crab works, and canned crab or real lump crab can also be used.
- Ingredient count: The recipe uses six core ingredients plus optional green onion.
- Storage: Refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serving: Sturdy crackers work best for dipping.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This dip recipe is a keeper and I love the substitutes and options she lists! I did 4oz cream cheese with part mayo and part greek yogurt, the consistancy was great. I added minced red onion and did the lemon juice and the Old Bay but omitted hot sauce. It was a wonderful way to eat up leftover snow crab in the summer!
Wahoo!
No one wants your disgusting โimitation crabโ dip what the hell? Hahhaha
I have made this dip multiple times. It is always a hit:) I tend to add a little more of everything just for my taste but regardless, this is an awesome dip!!!!
Love that you’re making this recipe your own!
I think that recipe superb
I used real crab which was way more than 8 oz. I added more cream cheese and more old bay- super yummy:) Squeezed so much lemon on top. perfect holiday app
Delicious! Quick & easy. Will make again. I used the Frankโs hot sauce & it was perfect.