Cold Crab Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cold Crab Dip is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a light snack. Made with creamy cheese, fresh crab meat, and zesty lemon, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or green onion (finely chopped)
- 16 ounces fresh lump crab meat (drained and picked of shells)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, diced celery, and chopped chives or green onion until well combined.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the lump crab meat along with salt and black pepper. Keep the dip chilled until ready to serve with toast points, crackers, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips.
Tips & Variations
- For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Substitute crab meat with cooked shrimp or a mix of seafood if preferred.
- Let the dip sit in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together more deeply.
Storage
Store the crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and serve chilled. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture of the cream cheese and crab meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this dip?
Yes, canned crab meat can be used if fresh lump crab meat is not available. Just be sure to drain it well and pick out any shell pieces before mixing.
How can I make this dip ahead of time?
You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve to allow the flavors to deepen.
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Cold Crab Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cold Crab Dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Made with fresh lump crab meat combined with cream cheese, sour cream, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning, it offers a deliciously refreshing seafood spread that pairs wonderfully with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or green onion (finely chopped)
Seafood and Seasoning
- 16 ounces fresh lump crab meat (drained and picked of shells)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, diced celery, and chopped chives or green onion until fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Crab Meat: Gently fold in the fresh lump crab meat along with salt and black pepper, being careful not to break up the crab too much to maintain its texture.
- Chill and Serve: Keep the dip chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy it with toast points, crackers, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or your preferred dippers for a refreshing appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure the crab meat is well-drained and checked for any shell fragments for the best texture.
- For extra zest, add a little more lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika on top before serving.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crab dip, cold crab dip, seafood appetizer, cream cheese dip, Old Bay seasoning, easy appetizer
