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    Recipes » Appetizers » Easy Cold Crab Dip

    Easy Cold Crab Dip

    Published: May 8, 2019 · Modified: Jun 20, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    crab dip on saltine crackers on a black cutting board
    crab dip on saltine crackers on a black cutting board
    crab dip on saltine crackers on a black cutting board
    crab dip on saltine crackers on a black cutting board

    Impress your guests with this Easy Cold Crab Dip! Made with cream cheese, lime juice, and lump crab, it comes together in just a few minutes. And, it’s a true crowd pleaser!

    saltine crackers topped with cold crab dip, radishes, and chives.

    Creamy, crunchy, hearty, and comforting, this Easy Cold Crab Dip has it all!

    The texture of the chunks of crab meat and crunchy chives pairs with the cream cheese base to make an irresistible appetizer that your guests will love.

    Best of all, it takes just minutes to make. Serve it in a big bowl so guests can scoop their own, or spoon it onto crackers for a gorgeous presentation.

    crab dip on saltines on a gray background.

    Ingredients

    • Crab meat is the star of the dip. You’ll need one pound.
    • Cream cheese and heavy cream combine to make the creamy base of the dip.
    • Lime cheese, worcestershire sauce, and sea salt add lots of flavor.
    • Chives will get folded into the dip and also sprinkled on top.
    • A garnish of julienned radishes adds crunch and a pop of color.

    How to make crab dip with cream cheese

    Place the cream cheese, heavy cream, lime juice, worcestershire sauce, and sea salt in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to mix the ingredients until combined.

    Use a spatula to fold in the crab meat and chives.

    crab dip, chives, and cream cheese in a large glass bowl.

    That’s it! The crab dip is super easy to make.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is crab dip gluten-free?

    Check the labels on your ingredients. In general, crab dip is usually gluten-free, but watch out for sneaky sources of gluten such as worcestershire sauce.

    Can I freeze crab dip?

    Unfortunately, crab dip does not thaw well after being frozen. The cream cheese will separate and it’ll become runny.

    How long does crab dip last?

    Store leftover crab dip in the refrigerator, tightly covered. It’ll last for up to 5 days after making it.

    Can I warm up the dip?

    Yes! Place the prepared dip in an oven-safe dish, and bake for 10–15 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed throughout. If you’d like, you can top it with shredded cheese first (such as cheddar or monterey jack).

    Garnishes and serving suggestions

    Since crab dip is white (and so are the crackers that it’s served on), garnishes are a great way to add a pop of color.

    Radishes and chives are great choices for garnish. Radishes also add some crunch and a slight bitter flavor that complements the creamy dip so well.

    To garnish the crackers, julienne the radishes and add a few strips to the top of each cracker. Chop the chives and sprinkle a few on top.

    a black cutting board topped with crab dip on saltines.

    If you’re serving it from a bowl, set out an array of dippers such as a variety of crackers, celery sticks, radish coins, and strips of bell pepper.

    Best crackers for crab dip

    Good: water crackers are a nice plain base that lets the crab dip shine.
    Better: butter crackers are delicious with anything, and the crab dip is no exception.
    Best: saltine crackers make crab dip over-the-top delicious. The light saltiness of a saltine complements it just perfectly.

    hand holding a saltine topped with cold crab dip.

    Can I make crab dip ahead of time?

    This Easy Crab Dip recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Combine all dip ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before serving.

    When it’s time to serve, let it sit at room temperature for one hour to make it easier to scoop it out. Then, transfer it to a serving dish or spoon it onto crackers and garnish.

    This dip would be perfect for a spring or summer get-together, a baby shower or bridal shower, or an appetizer to enjoy while dinner cooks.

    More easy dip recipes

    • Dill Dip
    • Beef Chip Dip
    • Easy Fruit Dip
    • Hot Reuben Dip
    • Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    crab dip on saltine crackers on a black board

    Easy Cold Crab Dip

    Published by Kate
    This easy-to-make dip is always a hit!
    4.78 from 9 votes
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Southern
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 75 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 cup (8 oz) crabmeat
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
    • Hot sauce to taste
    • To serve: saltine crackers, julienned radishes, chopped chives

    Instructions
     

    • Place the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, lime juice, worcestershire sauce, and sea salt in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until combined.
    • Fold in the crab meat and chopped chives.
    • To serve, dollop a spoonful of crab dip on top of a cracker, then top with chives and julienned radishes. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    The crab dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
    You can substitute lemon juice for the lime juice.
    Saltine crackers are the best cracker for serving this dip. Water crackers and butter crackers (like Ritz) would also work. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 243mgPotassium: 59mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword appetizer, crab dip, quick and easy
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip
    • Reuben Dip
    • The Best Easy Fruit Dip
    • Sour Cream Dill Dip
    « Beer Brats with Cheese Sauce
    Puff Pastry Appetizers with Goat Cheese and Jam »
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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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