Name: Cold Hot Crab Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487264H34M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz lump crab meat; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Dash of hot sauce (optional); 2 tbsp green onions or chives, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Paprika, for garnish; Crackers, crostini, or veggies, for serving

This Cold Hot Crab Dip has all the rich, savory flavor of a classic hot crab dip—but it’s served chilled, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or easy make-ahead entertaining. It’s creamy, full of lump crab meat, and loaded with seasoning that keeps each bite bold and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe flips the script on traditional crab dip. All the cozy, cheesy flavor of the hot version is still here, but the dip is chilled and refreshing. It’s the kind of appetizer I can whip up ahead of time, keep in the fridge, and serve whenever I need it. No oven, no stress—just pure, delicious indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lump crab meat
Cream cheese (softened)
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Old Bay seasoning
Garlic powder
Hot sauce (optional)
Green onions or chives, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika (for garnish)
Crackers, crostini, or veggies for serving

Directions

I start by making sure my cream cheese is fully softened—this helps everything blend smoothly.
In a large bowl, I mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until completely creamy.
Then I stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and a few dashes of hot sauce if I want a kick.
I gently fold in the lump crab meat and most of the chopped green onions, being careful not to overmix.
Once everything is well combined, I transfer the dip to a serving bowl, smooth the top, and sprinkle with paprika and the remaining green onions.
I cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving cold with crunchy crackers or sliced baguette.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes around 8 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 1–2 hours for the flavors to meld and the dip to set.

Variations

I like adding shredded cheddar or Parmesan to give it more depth and texture.
For a spicy version, I stir in finely diced jalapeños or use a spicier hot sauce.
A dash of horseradish gives the dip a nice tangy punch.
Sometimes I fold in finely diced red bell pepper or celery for extra crunch.
To lighten it up, I’ve swapped in Greek yogurt for the sour cream.

storage/reheating

Since this is a cold dip, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I give it a quick stir before serving again. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, I’ve used imitation crab in a pinch. It doesn’t have the same richness, but it still tastes great when mixed with all the creamy, flavorful ingredients.

How far in advance can I make this dip?

I like to make it up to a day in advance. The flavors actually get better after chilling overnight.

Can I serve this warm too?

Technically yes, but I designed this version to be enjoyed cold. If I wanted to warm it up, I’d use a more cheese-heavy version for the best results.

What do I serve with Cold Hot Crab Dip?

I serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp veggie sticks like celery and bell pepper. It’s also great with pretzels or tortilla chips.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is gluten-free, but I always make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if that’s a concern for my guests.

Conclusion

Cold Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing twist on the classic. It’s perfect for making ahead, bringing to parties, or just treating myself to something indulgent with minimal effort. I love how easy it is to prepare—and even easier to enjoy.