Save to Pinterest A warm, creamy, and flavorful dip featuring succulent crab, zesty Cajun spices, and a blend of cheeses — perfect for parties or game day snacks.
I first whipped up this cheesy Cajun crab dip for a family get-together, and it instantly became a favorite snack on game nights. It is always devoured quickly whenever I bring it to parties.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
- Sour cream: 120 g (1/2 cup)
- Mayonnaise: 60 g (1/4 cup)
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), shredded
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 30 g (1/4 cup), grated
- Lump crab meat: 225 g (8 oz), drained and picked over
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, finely diced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Cajun seasoning: 1 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional, for extra heat)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add cheeses:
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add vegetables and crab:
- Add the crab meat, bell pepper, green onions, and garlic.
- Season and combine:
- Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 1-liter (1-quart) baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Finish and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping sprinkle cheese on top before baking. The whole family gathers around the table for this dip at every celebration.
Required Tools
Oven, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking dish (1-liter/1-quart capacity), spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs (from mayonnaise), shellfish (crab), fish (may come from Worcestershire sauce). May contain gluten if served with bread or crackers.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 220. Total Fat: 16 g. Carbohydrates: 5 g. Protein: 13 g.
Save to Pinterest This dip tastes best served warm and fresh. For extra flavor, pair it with a crisp white wine.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute crab with another seafood?
Yes, chopped cooked shrimp can be used as an alternative for crab, offering a similar texture and flavor.
- → What cheese combination works best for this dip?
A mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan provides creaminess and depth of flavor.
- → How can I make the dish milder?
Omit or reduce the cayenne pepper to tone down the heat while keeping rich Cajun flavors intact.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- → What are suitable serving options?
Toasted baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables are ideal dippers for enjoying this warm, creamy crab blend.
- → Does the dish pair well with wine?
Absolutely, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dip's rich flavors beautifully.