When you need a show-stopping appetizer that’s rich, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet is your go-to recipe. It’s loaded with sweet lump crab meat, melty cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning, all baked until bubbly and golden.
This is the kind of dip that makes people gather around the table with bread and crackers in hand, ready to scoop up every last bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a holiday get-together, or just a cozy night in, this dip always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What Is Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet?
Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet is a baked appetizer made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It’s mixed together, topped with more cheese, and baked in a skillet until hot and bubbly with golden, cheesy edges.
This dip is perfect for scooping with bread, crackers, or veggies, and it works as both a party appetizer or a decadent snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with real lump crab meat
- Extra cheesy and perfectly creamy
- One skillet, no fuss, no complicated steps
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or game day
- Great with bread, crackers, or even veggies
What Does Cheesy Crab Dip Taste Like?
This dip is rich, creamy, and full of sweet, tender crab. The cheeses melt together to create a stretchy, gooey texture, while the Old Bay seasoning adds a subtle seafood-friendly spice. The top layer turns golden and bubbly in the oven, adding just the right crispness.
It’s savory, decadent, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- 8-10 inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Use Monterey Jack or Gruyère instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist
- Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- Use imitation crab if needed, but lump crab tastes best
How to Make Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix the Dip
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, Old Bay, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Gently fold in the crab meat.
Step 3: Assemble the Skillet
Spread the mixture evenly into a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or veggies.
What to Serve with Cheesy Crab Dip
- Toasted baguette slices
- Buttery crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks or bell pepper slices
- Pretzel bites
Tips for Success
- Use lump crab for the best flavor and texture
- Don’t overmix—the crab should stay chunky
- Bake until the edges are golden for the best flavor
- Serve immediately for the ultimate cheesy pull
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the dip, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze crab dip?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes—the dip is naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet is the kind of appetizer that turns a casual get-together into a celebration. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of tender crab. Once you serve this, don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested party recipe!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 280
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 410mg
Cheesy Crab Dip Skillet: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hot, bubbly crab dip loaded with cheese, cream cheese, and Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day gatherings!
Ingredients
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ½ cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
– 1 pound lump crab meat
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
– Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, Old Bay, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
3. Gently fold in the lump crab meat.
4. Spread the mixture in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
– Use fresh lump crab for best results.
– Can be prepped ahead and baked before serving.
– Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Keywords: cheesy crab dip, crab dip skillet, hot crab dip, seafood appetizer, party dip recipe, crab and cheese dip
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