Every party needs that one dip that steals the show, and for me, it’s always this Cajun Crab Dip. Creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and loaded with real crab — it’s the kind of appetizer people hover around until the dish is scraped clean. The best part? You can stir everything together ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive.
Why This Dip Always Disappears
I’ve been making crab dips for years, but the Cajun twist is what keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds). The spice isn’t overwhelming — it’s more of a warm, savory kick that balances the richness of the cream cheese and crab.
We usually make this dip for the Super Bowl, holiday gatherings, and honestly, sometimes just because we’re craving it on a Friday night. And yes, I’ll admit it — I’ll happily eat it with a spoon straight from the baking dish when no one’s looking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Crab meat – Lump crab is luxurious, but claw meat is more affordable and works perfectly since it all gets mixed in. If budget is tight, imitation crab makes a fun swap.
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Cream cheese, sour cream & mayo – This trio makes the base extra creamy and melty without tasting too heavy. Always go for full-fat versions for the best texture.
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Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds that extra punch. Freshly shredded melts best.
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Cajun seasoning – I love using Tony’s, but any blend works. Adjust to taste depending on how bold you like it.
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Fresh jalapeño – Adds heat and freshness. You can remove the seeds for a milder dip.
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Worcestershire, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper – Layers of flavor that build depth.
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Lemon zest & scallions – Brightens the dip and balances the richness.
Step by Step Instructions
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Check the crab – Pick through gently to make sure there aren’t any stray shells.
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Mix it all together – In a big bowl, stir cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, seasonings, cheddar, jalapeño, and crab. Save a little scallion for garnish.
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Transfer to a dish – Spread into a small baking dish. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Bake – When ready, bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Serve – Let it rest for 5 minutes, top with scallions, and serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Tips for the Best Crab Dip
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Don’t skip the zest – Lemon zest is a small touch but it brightens the whole dip.
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Play with the heat – Leave the jalapeño seeds in for extra kick, or swap in a pinch of smoked paprika if you want smoky heat instead.
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Make ahead friendly – Mix and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. Perfect for stress-free hosting.
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Use a shallow dish – This helps the dip bake evenly and gives you more of that browned, cheesy top everyone fights over.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is delicious with:
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Crackers – Ritz are my personal favorite because they’re buttery and sturdy.
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Veggies – Sliced peppers, cucumbers, or endive leaves balance the richness.
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Bread – Warm baguette slices or focaccia make it feel like a meal.
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Chips – Tortilla chips or pita chips give a nice crunch.
Pro tip: If you really want to stretch this dip into something special, spoon leftovers over baked potatoes or spread it inside a grilled cheese sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
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Fridge – Leftovers keep for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat – Microwave small portions in ramekins or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
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Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing since the texture changes, but the uncooked mixture can be prepped ahead and chilled in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this without mayo?
Yes, just increase the sour cream or cream cheese to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze Cajun crab dip?
Not after baking — it tends to separate. But you can mix the ingredients, freeze the unbaked dip, and bake fresh later.
What do you eat with crab dip?
Crackers, crusty bread, chips, or fresh veggies all work. I’ve even scooped it with celery sticks for a lighter option.
Is this too spicy for kids?
The creamy base softens the spice, so it’s not overly hot. You can skip the jalapeño and cayenne for a milder version.
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, it won’t taste quite the same, but it’s budget-friendly and still delicious.
Cajun Crab Dip
Rich, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, this hot Cajun crab dip is a party favorite that always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh crab meat, checked for shells
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheddar, jalapeño, lemon zest, and scallions.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to break it up too much so the dip keeps some larger, juicy pieces.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a medium baking dish (about 8 inches wide). Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with extra scallions. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- Crab: Any type of crab meat works—lump, claw, or jumbo. Choose what’s available and budget-friendly.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days ahead and store covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
- Serving Ideas: Pairs perfectly with crunchy crackers, sliced bell peppers, endive leaves, or warm bread.
- Gluten-Free: This dip is naturally gluten-free (just double-check labels on sauces and seasonings).
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 313Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 107mgSodium 623mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 16g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Cajun Crab Dip is everything I want in a party appetizer — creamy, cheesy, and just a little fiery. It’s simple to throw together, makes the house smell amazing, and never fails to win over a crowd. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a regular at my family gatherings.
