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Cold Crab Dip Recipe

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This Cold Crab Dip is a creamy, tangy appetizer featuring lump crabmeat blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a flavorful mix of spices including Old Bay seasoning and fresh chives. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it comes together quickly with no cooking required.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Crab Dip

  • 1 pound lump crabmeat
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crabmeat: Dump the crabmeat into a colander over the sink. Rinse it gently under cold water, then carefully squeeze out as much moisture as possible without breaking up the crab chunks. Remove any shell pieces and set the cleaned crabmeat aside in a medium bowl.
  2. Juice and zest the lemon: Juice and zest one lemon to yield about 2 teaspoons of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice. Set aside.
  3. Blend the base mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and chopped chives. Use a hand mixer on medium-low speed to blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Incorporate crabmeat: Gently fold the prepared crabmeat into the creamy mixture, ensuring it stays chunky and well-coated.
  5. Season and adjust: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt, Old Bay, lemon zest, or lemon juice if desired.
  6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the dip to a serving dish and garnish with additional chopped chives and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • For best flavor, chill the crab dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • You can substitute lump crabmeat with claw meat for a more economical option, though the texture will be slightly different.
  • If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve with assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks as dippers.
  • Make sure to gently handle crabmeat to keep nice chunky pieces for texture.