Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is rich, creamy and irresistibly buttery—a perfect make-ahead hot dip for holidays and parties.
If you enjoy easy appetizers, try our other crowd-pleasers like Buffalo Chicken Dip or Loaded Burrito Dip for variety.
Why We Love This Crab Dip Recipe
This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is one of those foolproof appetizers: easy to prepare, excellent made ahead, and always a hit. Making the dip in advance cuts down on party-day stress, but it’s simple enough you can also assemble and bake it the same day.
The recipe is also an affordable way to enjoy crab without waiting for a special occasion. While lump crab meat is delicious, claw meat or a mix of claw and lump both work well and help keep the cost down. Once combined with sautéed peppers and fresh or frozen corn in a creamy base, the flavors meld into a decadent, comforting dip.
To put cost in perspective: a typical 16-ounce can of lump crab can be pricey, but this dip uses just 8 ounces, which, along with the other ingredients, makes it a reasonable splurge for a party-worthy appetizer.
Fresh or Frozen Corn: Which to Use?
Fresh corn is excellent when in season and adds a bright sweetness, so use it if you can. Frozen corn is a great, convenient alternative and will still deliver good flavor. If using frozen, let it thaw to room temperature before cooking with the peppers so it heats evenly.
Ritz crackers are classic for this type of crab dip—crispy and buttery—and we recommend using them for the topping. Crush the crackers, mix with melted butter, and sprinkle over the dip before baking for a crunchy, golden finish.
You can refrigerate the assembled dip until you’re ready to bake. It only needs about 20 minutes in a 400°F oven to heat through and become bubbly.
What to Serve with Crab Dip
Ritz crackers are an obvious choice, but any sturdy, crispy cracker will work. Tortilla chips and cut vegetables are good options for scooping. Flat pretzel chips are a favorite pairing—the salty crunch complements the rich, creamy dip especially well.
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More Easy Appetizer Ideas
- Tomato Basil Pizza
- Italian Sub Bruschetta
- BBQ Party Meatballs
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Everything Pigs In A Blanket
Cheesy Hot Crab Dip
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
This creamy, cheesy hot crab dip is ideal for parties. Use fresh, canned, or frozen corn depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces canned crab meat (claw, lump, or a combination), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn, shallot, red and yellow peppers, salt and pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the sherry and cook until the wine has evaporated.
- Transfer the corn and peppers to a large bowl, then add the softened cream cheese and stir until combined.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce and 1 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spread the mixture into an 8″ x 8″ baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack and the crushed Ritz cracker mixture.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden.
- Serve hot with additional crackers, chips or vegetables for dipping.
Recipe Notes
You can assemble this dip ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake it just before serving for a no-fuss party appetizer.
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American