Hot crab dip topped with sliced green onion in a round brown bowl surrounded by Ritz crackers on a brown plate with a brown and white towel behind (with logo overlay)

Easy Creamy Hot Crab Dip in the Slow Cooker

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Hot Crab Dip is a perfect appetizer whether you are attending a potluck or need a snack for game day. The slow cooker makes it an easy recipe.

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I have always been a fan of chip-and-cracker dips. But, I tend to eat wayyyyyy too much even though I know I should stop. And this cheesy crab dip is no different. 

I debated on which type of crab to use: imitation or lump crab. I prefer imitation crab when we make homemade sushi, but the lump crab seems to work better when it’s being mixed with other ingredients. We tried the imitation crab in Baked Crab Casserole, and while it worked well, the lump crab worked much better in my Cheesy Crab Roll. Since this is closer to the crab roll, we went with lump crab. You could also try fresh crab meat if you prefer for this cheesy dip. 

This homemade crab dip is a crowd pleaser and is perfect for a game day appetizer, a pot luck, or a way to enjoy the flavor of the crab any time of year. 

What’s the Difference Between Imitation Crab Meat and Lump Crab Meat?

Imitation crab is, as the name suggests, not actually crab. It’s typically made of “surimi” which is a paste made from white fish. Imitation crab is made in an attempt to make crab cheaper while keeping a similar texture. But, I notice a big difference in the texture. Imitation crab is great when you are trying to use it in a specific size or shape, such as sushi.

Src: https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/201258/what-is-the-difference-between-crab-and-krab-imitation-crab/

Lump crab is smaller piece of jump lump which is made from the two large muscles in the swimming legs. Then, other pieces from the body may be mixed in. Lump crabmeat is usually white and has a similar texture to tuna salad or chicken salad in a can.

Src: https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/5880-crabmeat-101

Serving Suggestions & Tips

  • Make the dip even more creamy by adding some sour cream or Greek yogurt. 
  • Add more flavor by sprinkling with Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder. 
  • Serve with a side of crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, soft pretzels, or celery sticks. 
  • Use a variety of cheese for a creamy dip by adding mozzarella cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. 
  • Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, or black pepper. 

Hot Crab Dip Step by Step

Ingredients

  • 12 oz cream cheese (cubed)
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 13 oz lump crabmeat
  • 1 pkg onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 green onions (diced, for garnish)
  • Ritz crackers (for serving)
Ingredients for hot crab dip in stainless steel bowls on a wooden surface

Preparation

Gather your ingredients for hot crab dip and prepare your slow cooker. You can use slow cooker liners to make cleanup easier, but I usually let mine soak overnight after using because I don’t like to create extra waste in the kitchen.

Place the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream in a slow cooker.

Cubed cream cheese and heavy whipping cream in a slow cooker

Cover and heat on high for 45 minutes, then whisk to combine.

Whisked cream cheese and heavy whipping cream in a slow cooker on a wooden surface

Add the parmesan cheese, crabmeat, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Whisk thoroughly until mixed. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes.

Hot crab dip whisked in a slow cooker on a wooden surface

Whisk the lemon juice into the dip. Serve warm garnished with green onions with Ritz crackers for dipping.

Hot crab dip topped with sliced green onion in a round brown bowl surrounded by Ritz crackers on a brown plate with a brown and white towel behind (vertical)

Hot Crab Dip Leftovers

Storage: Let any leftovers cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Reheating: To reheat the cheesy hot crab dip, place some in a microwaveable bowl and microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring at least once.

Recipe

Originally Published On: January 25, 2021

Last Updated On: September 16, 2024

Hot crab dip topped with sliced green onion in a round brown bowl surrounded by Ritz crackers on a brown plate with a brown and white towel behind

Hot Crab Dip

Hot Crab Dip is a perfect appetizer whether you are attending a potluck or need a snack for game day. The slow cooker makes it an easy recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Keyword:
crab
|
crackers
|
cream cheese
|
dip
|
lump crab
Dietary Needs:
Egg-Free
|
Nut-Free
Meat:
Seafood
Cooking Method:
Slow-Cooker
Servings: 3 cups
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 12 oz cream cheese (cubed)
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 13 oz lump crabmeat
  • 1 pkg onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 green onions (diced, for garnish)
  • Ritz crackers (for serving)

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Place the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream in a slow cooker
  • Cover and heat on high for 45 minutes, then whisk to combine
  • Add the parmesan cheese, crabmeat, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic
  • Whisk thoroughly until mixed
  • Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes
  • Whisk the lemon juice into the dip
  • Serve warm garnished with green onions with Ritz crackers for dipping
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Nutrition Facts
Hot Crab Dip
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cups)
Calories 351 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 16g80%
Cholesterol 113mg38%
Sodium 1008mg42%
Potassium 260mg7%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 1092IU22%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 295mg30%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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24 thoughts on “Easy Creamy Hot Crab Dip in the Slow Cooker”

  2. Melanie williams

    I can’t have seafood/fish, but I am sure that my other half would love something like this. We are in lockdown in the UK, so trying out lots of different cooking ideas x

    Reply
  3. aisasami

    5 stars
    I have to save up my money to make this as crab can be expensive in Japan due to being a novelty food. Crab legs can go from $20 and up here. Imitation crab meat is more popular in the supermarkets.

    Reply
  5. Amber

    My hubby loves crab dip. I may just surprise him this week and make him some. Looks delicious 🤤 and I’m not usually one that likes seafood, but I’d eat good for sure.

    Reply
  8. Ave

    This hot crab dip looks delicious! I love all kinds of dips and this one is super easy to make. I have to see if I can find lump crabmeat here.

    Reply

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