Cold Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Published 12/8/2021 • Updated 8/16/2024
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This crab dip is served cold, is made with only 6 ingredients, and is ready to eat in under 15 minutes! It is the perfect appetizer for any event or even just a delicious protein-packed snack to make for the week.
This crab dip with cream cheese is not your average seafood dip with cocktail sauce. It’s a surprisingly light and tasty appetizer that’s best eaten with your favorite cracker.
From start to finish you can make this dip in under 15 minutes. Plus, while we love to eat it cold, you can absolutely heat it up, top it with cheese and eat it hot!
Cold Crab Dip Ingredients
We’re weren’t joking when we said that there is a very short list of ingredients for this easy crab dip recipe. Here is everything you need to make this dip!
- Imitation crab meat
- Mayo
- Cream cheese
- Old Bay seasoning
- Hot sauce
- Lemon juice
- Green onion
Substitution Options for Crab Dip
Though there is a short list of ingredients there are a few different substitutions (or additions) you can make to this classic cold seafood dip that still result in amazing taste and flavors.
Lump Crab Meat instead of Imitation Crab
Greek Yogurt instead of Mayonnaise
Chili Powder + Salt instead of Old Bay Seasoning
Lime juice instead if Lemon Juice
Red Onion instead of Green Onion
Add Celery
Add Lemon Zest
Add Fresh Parsley
Add Pepper
Whatever you do, don’t skip the CREAM CHEESE!
Add caramelized onions!
If you want to get fancy with this crab dip, try adding caramelized onion, roasted garlic, and serve it with warm crostini!
How to Make this Cold Crab Dip Recipe
Making this cold crab dip recipe with cream cheese is as easy as 1-2-3
- Start by mincing or shredding cold imitation crab dip with a sharp knife or two forks.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the other ingredients together in a separate bowl. Be sure to really mix all the ingredients together until the cream cheese, hot sauce, and lemon juice create a sauce.
- Gently fold the imitation crab dip into the sauce and top with green onions.
- Place in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
- Serve with crackers, veggies, tortilla chips, or crostini.
Crab Dip 101
How do I serve this crab dip warm?
To serve this crab dip warm, preheat the oven to 350ºF and place the crab dip into a small cassoulet or other oven safe dish. Bake the crab dip for 15-20 minutes.
Top with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and turn the oven to broil. Broil until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden brown.
What is imitation crab?
Imitation crab is a mixture of fish, egg whites, starch, salt, and additives. it is shaped to look like meat.
Is crab dip healthy?
Everything in moderation! This crab dip is high in protein, low carb, and perfect for a healthy snack!
How long does crab dip last in the fridge?
Store this crab dip in an air-tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Cold Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. imitation crab meat
- 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
- First, mince crab meat into small pieces and place them into a medium-size bowl.
- Next, add mayonnaise, cream cheese, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and green onion to the bowl.
- Mix to combine.
- Serve with crackers or baguette slices.
Tips & Notes
- We used Franks’ hot sauce, but your favorite works too.
- Any variety of imitation or canned crab can be used, including flake or leg.
- Stable 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 “imitation crab” 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 Frank’s hot sauce & it was perfect.