Best Crab Dip Recipe With Cream Cheese

If Chilled Crab Dip isn’t on your party dip list, it will be now! This easy recipe is loaded with fresh sweet crab meat, garlic, dill, and a savory secret that propels this creamy delight to the top of everyone’s favorite appetizer list!

Are you looking for more party dip recipes with cream cheese? Try Creamy Whipped Feta w/Fresh Herbs,  Spinach Artichoke Dip, Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Extra Special Spinach Dip. 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe

It’s savory, creamy, loaded with succulent lump crab meat, and a touch of heat, making it perfect for dipping your favorite crudités, crackers, or chips.

• It’s a delicious summer appetizer and always a go-to on my list of cold dips for parties.
• The savory secret to a top-notch crab meat dip is….wait for it….beef bouillon! Yep, I love how this ingredient is indiscernible yet does so much for this recipe!
• Quick and easy two-step recipe. 
• Easily doubled or tripled when you need cold dips for large groups.
• A tasty seafood dip is an excellent way to enjoy nutritious crab meat, a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and Zinc.

Crab Dip Recipe Ingredients

This cold crab dip with dill is one of our favorite appetizers and a party staple!

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Cream Cheese – is the creamy, cheesy base with a subtle tang that whips up light and fluffy when softened to room temperature.
• Mayo – thick, creamy condiment of emulsified oil that adds silkiness and richness to the cream cheese base.  
• Sour Cream – provides moisture to coat each morsel of lump crab meat and a tangy little zip of flavor. 
• Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed is best but bottled lemon juice will work too.
• Garlic Clove – minced
• Dill Weed – Dried dill weed brightens a crab dip recipe with its grassy-citrus flavor with a touch of anise or caraway traits. If you want to use fresh dill weed: 1 tablespoon fresh dill = 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Green Onions – add color, a mild onion flavor, and texture. Mince the whole stalk (minus the roots).
• Beef Bouillon Cube – crushed. Surprise! This one little cube adds unique, savory flavor and depth that no one can quite put their finger on.
• Hot Sauce – adds a touch of zesty heat and pepper essence. Use your favorite hot sauce, or leave it out if you are not a fan.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• Crabmeat* – succulent, tender, and sweet. Lump crab meat comes frozen and fresh from the seafood counter, canned crab meat is also an option, read the label and the ingredients to ensure that it’s 100% crab meat.
• Assorted Fresh Vegetables Or Crackers – for dipping
• Optional Garnishes: sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, green onion, dill weed, lemon zest (or slices), or a dash of paprika.

*FYI – You can use a less expensive option, imitation crab meat, for this easy crab dip recipe. It is made from minced surimi (fish flesh), starch, and other ingredients, usually dyed pink to resemble cooked crab meat. Imitation crab meat creates a cold dip similar in flavor and texture to real crab meat, but imitation crab is high in carbs; real crab meat is carb-free.

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How To Make The Best Crab Dip

Putting this delicious dip together is super quick and easy! Grab a bowl and an electric hand mixer, to whip up a fluffy, delectable summer dip!

When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. For the best crab dip, beat the cream cheese first until it’s light and fluffy, then add the mayo and sour cream.
2. Fold in the remaining ingredients including the lump crab meat.
3. Cover and let the flavors marry in the fridge for several hours or overnight. 
4. When ready to enjoy, serve with assorted vegetables and or crackers.

Recipe Notes/Tips

• When using canned lump crab meat, rinse and drain well before folding it into the crab dip.
• Cube cold cream cheese so it will warm to room temp faster than warming a block. It takes 10x longer to naturally warm a block of cream cheese than mixing up a batch of crab dip with fresh crab.
• If you need to use powdered garlic instead of fresh garlic, bloom ⅛ teaspoon of garlic in ½ to ¾ teaspoon of almost hot water. This will reactivate some of the enzymatic flavors and give you a taste similar to fresh garlic.
• After your dip is chilled and before serving, test to see if you need to refresh the seasonings.
• When doubling the cold crab dip recipe, divide the dip in half, serving one at a time. This keeps the crab and cream cheese dip at its best throughout the gathering.