Easy Cold Crab Dip
Looking for the perfect party appetizer that’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast? This easy cold crab dip recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and is packed with bold, zesty flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a game day bash or a casual backyard hangout, this creamy crab dip is a true crowd pleaser. No need to fire up the oven—it’s chilled and ready to serve with your favorite dippers. Plus, it’s budget-friendly thanks to imitation crab meat and perfect for making ahead.
Ingredient Notes
- Imitation crab: Offers a tender texture and mild, delicate flavor similar to real crab meat, but is easy to find and affordable at the grocery store.
- Softened cream cheese: Forms the rich, creamy base of the dip and blends smoothly for that luscious consistency.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and softness, balancing the richness with a refreshing kick.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances the creamy texture and brings depth to the overall flavor.
- Hot sauce (like Frank’s): Delivers just the right heat to turn this into a spicy crab dip without overpowering the crab.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dip and brings out the seafood flavor.
- Old Bay seasoning: A classic seasoning that instantly makes any crab meat dip taste like a coastal seafood shack favorite.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Layer in warm, savory undertones for complexity.
- Diced celery: Adds crunch.
- Diced green onions: Sharp and zesty, they bring a pop of flavor and color.
- Diced green chilies: Provide a mild kick and a slightly smoky edge.
You can make this dip ahead of time and refrigerate overnight.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
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Serve with your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or toasted bread.
- Swap imitation crab meat with fresh lump crab meat, real crab meat, canned crab meat, or even chopped crab legs for a deluxe version.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a low carb or lighter option.
- Add a spoonful of cocktail sauce or a dash of worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Substitute dried chives if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand.
How to Make Easy Cold Crab Dip
- Blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth in a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Stir in the hot sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Cover and chill the crab dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb imitation crab finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 8 oz sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce used Franks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced green onions
- 4 oz can diced green chilies
Instructions
- Blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth in a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Stir in the hot sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Cover and chill the crab dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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