Hot Crab Dip

This Hot Crab Dip with pepper jack cheese makes a crave-worthy starter for any special occasion. Baked until gooey, melty, and ultra-cheesy, it’s delicious served with pita chips, crostini, or crackers for dipping.

Easy Hot Crab Dip Recipe with Pepper Jack Cheese

Crab is a pricey ingredient no matter how it’s served. While everyone loves classic crab cakes, they’re not always the most budget-friendly option when you’re entertaining a crowd. Using crab in a rich, cheesy dip is a delicious and more cost-effective way to enjoy its sweet flavor while still serving an impressive appetizer.

This hot crab dip features a creamy, melty texture with a gentle kick from pepper jack cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or another favorite cheese to suit your taste, making this versatile appetizer perfect for parties, holidays, and special occasions.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Fresh Crab Meat– Jumbo Lump Crabmeat gives this dip its rich flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese – Both shredded pepper jack cheese for a hint of spice and grated Parmesan cheese for a tangy flavor.
• Mayonnaise – Mayo gives the crab dip and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream – Sour cream balances the richness.
• Citrus – Lemon juice adds an acidic component that enhances the crab meat.
• Spices – Seafood seasoning i.e. Old Bay or Seafood Magic plus salt and black pepper to taste.
• Diced Pimentos – A jar of diced pimento expands the flavor profile.
• Onion and Garlic – Green onions and garlic cloves amp up the flavor.
• Hot Sauce – A few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

How to Make the BEST Hot Crab Dip Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare the Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F and spritz a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Combine Creamy Ingredients – Whip together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, seafood seasoning, salt and black pepper.
• Add Crab Meat and Cheese – Fold in the crab meat, pepper-jack cheese, drained pimento, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, minced garlic and hot sauce.
• Transfer to Dish – Pour crab dip mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded pepper-jack cheese and seafood seasoning.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until bubbly and golden brown.
• Serve – Dip with crackers, tortilla chips, garlic bread or pita crisps.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Hot Crab Dip with Pepper Jack Cheese

• Medium bowl.
• Balloon whisk or hand mixer.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Cheese grater.
• 1 1/2 quart baking dish or similar size oven safe skillet.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Crab Meat – I don’t recommend using imitation crab meat for this dip. It can effect the texture when baked. You could use claw meat or a combination of lump crab meat and claw meat.
• Cheese -You can adapt the flavor of cheese to suit your taste. Try monterey jack cheese, gruyere or a sharp cheddar cheese, they all work well.
• Seafood Seasoning – I use Chef Paul Prudhomme Seafood Magic in this recipe. You can use Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning.
• Fresh Herbs – You could add parsley, fresh chives or thyme to change the flavor profile.
• Pimento – You could use finely diced roasted red pepper in place of pimento.
• Serving Options – Serve this dip warm with pita chips, tortilla chips, garlic bread or even vegetables for a true five star treat.
• Worcestershire Sauce – You could replace the hot sauce with Worcestershire sauce for a milder flavor or use tobasco sauce.
• More Crab Recipes – When you want to include crab on the menu, you may like to try my recipe for Crab Hush Puppies with comeback sauce for dipping. This crab pie recipe from Southern Living would be fantastic for your next brunch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This dip can be assembled one day in advance, covered and chilled. Allow it to sit on the counter for 15 minutes and adjust the baking time, if needed. It’s best baked just before serving, and assembling in advance allows the flavors to develop even more intensely.
• Leftovers – Store baked Crab Dip covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer –  You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Dip Recipes to Make

• Baked Reuben Dip.
• Quick and easy Fried Pickle Dip is perfect for game day, picnics and casual gatherings.
• Mexican inspired Chicken Enchilada Dip.
• Gooey and delicious Three Cheesesteak Dip.
• Cowboy Queso Dip made in a slow cooker is perfect for game day.
• Marry Me Chicken Dip works like a charm!
• Homemade Ranch Dip for dipping vegetables, chips, crackers and more.
• Smoked Salmon Dip is ideal for holiday celebrations and summer gatherings.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Mixer