Hot Cheesy Crab Dip (Baked)
This hot cheesy crab dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — bubbling, savory, and packed with tender crab in a luxuriously creamy base. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together in minutes and bakes into a golden, irresistible appetizer everyone will flock to.
⭐ Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + garlic salt mix)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley
- A dash of hot sauce for heat
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This ensures the dip bakes evenly and the top becomes perfectly golden without over-drying.
2. Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, add:
- softened cream cheese
- mayonnaise
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until everything is smooth and lump-free. The mixture should look fluffy and well combined — this is the foundation of the dip’s creamy texture.
3. Add the Crab and Flavorings
Gently fold in:
- crab meat
- green onions
- minced garlic
- lemon juice
- Old Bay seasoning
- black pepper
If using parsley or hot sauce, add them now. Fold gently so the crab remains in nice, juicy chunks. This keeps the dip meaty and satisfying instead of mushy.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into a shallow baking dish or small casserole.
A shallow dish works best because it helps the top brown and bubble beautifully.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until:
- the edges are bubbling
- the top is lightly golden
Avoid over-baking — you want creamy, not dry.
6. Serve Hot
Serve immediately with:
- Crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crostini
- Tortilla chips
Every scoop delivers melty cheese, tender crab, and warm savory goodness. Enjoy!