‍

The Best Cheesy Crab Dip

This is the dip that disappears first at every party I bring it to. Warm, creamy, packed with sweet lump crab and just enough spinach to feel like you're getting away with something. It's bubbly and golden on top, ridiculously rich underneath, and works in either the oven or the crockpot depending on how many other things you're juggling.

Why this works

• Three cheeses, three jobs. Cream cheese is the body, mozzarella melts into stretchy strings, parmesan-style cheese adds a salty, savory edge on top.
• Crème fraîche instead of sour cream. Slightly tangier, slightly richer, and doesn't break when heated. Sour cream works too, but crème fraîche is what gives the dip that grown-up depth.
• Lump crab, not imitation. It costs a few dollars more, but real lump crab has actual sweet meaty bites you can taste through the cheese. Imitation crab dissolves.

Pro tips

• Squeeze the spinach dry. If you're using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out all the water in a clean towel. Wet spinach turns the dip soupy.
• Fold the crab in last. Stirring too aggressively breaks up the lumps. You want big chunks of crab in every bite.
• Make ahead. Mix everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, just add 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
• Serve in a crockpot. If you're feeding a crowd, transfer the baked dip to a small crockpot on warm so it stays melty for hours.

FAQ

Can I use canned crab?
Yes, the canned lump crab works (look for refrigerated, pasteurized lump crab in cans near the seafood counter). Avoid imitation crab sticks, they have a different texture.

What do I serve this with?
Buttery crackers like Ritz, toasted baguette slices, sturdy tortilla chips, or crudités if you want to lighten things up.

Can I make it without spinach?
Absolutely, just leave it out. The dip works without the green and you'll get a slightly more concentrated crab flavor.

How spicy is it?
Mild. The hot sauce just brightens the flavors. Add more or swap in a few dashes of cayenne for real heat.

Storage and reheating

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes covered, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. The dip thickens as it cools. A splash of milk helps loosen it back up if it's too stiff.

Perfect for game day, holidays, or any time you want to be the most popular person at the table. Browse more crowd-pleasers in Appetizers.