Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

This Hot Crab Dip with cream cheese is irresistibly cheesy with a sweet and tangy kick from a special ingredient!

This post was originally sponsored by Mondelēz International group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Super Dip for the Super Bowl

We kicked off the new year with some awesome healthy recipes. We made beet smoothies and breakfast quinoa and the best chopped salads. We showed those healthy new year’s resolutions who’s boss! It was a great three weeks.

But alas, someone decided it was a good idea to schedule the big game for the beginning of February. And as we all know, the super bowl is as much about football, as it is a celebration of crock pot BBQ meatballs,  Chicken Wings, and copious amounts of cheesy dip.

I don’t make the rules. I’m just here to deliver the goods. I usually have 0% interest in the teams playing in the big game (lifelong Cleveland fan here…*cue the sad violins*), but that certainly won’t stop me from showing up to the party this year with an empty belly and a big ol’ bowl of this cheesy Hot Crab Dip with RITZ Crackers.

A Cheesy Dip to Love

My hubby (Will) is a sucker for seafood dips. If I send him to the grocery store alone, he’ll most likely come home with a tub or three. (“ALDI, if you’re listening, please make the Cajun Crab available all year long, I am BEGGING YOU!”  -Will) 

I like those store-bought dips okay, and though a 7 Layer Taco Dip is my default for a tailgating party, I knew I could create something even better at home.

This dip starts with all of our favorite cheesy dip basics (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, AND Parmesan). But things really start getting interesting when I add my super secret special ingredient: peppadew peppers!

If you haven’t tried peppadews before, you’re in for a treat. These jarred peppers have a sweet, tangy flavor that compliments so many dishes. I craved them ALL the time when I was pregnant, and occasionally I still get an insane desire for a goat cheese and peppadew sandwich. They’re the perfect addition to a cheesy dip, giving it that extra little flourish of flavor and a fun pop of color.

What Makes Our Hot Crab Dip Great

• It’s perfect for parties. Bring this dip to your next family get-together or holiday party, and you’ll be the star of the show! (And everyone will be asking for the recipe).
• It’s unique. Don’t get me wrong; I love a classic Knorr Spinach Dip or Slow Cooker Queso. But sometimes, I need to switch it up! Enter: Crab Dip with Cream Cheese.
• It’s easy to make. This dip can be party-ready in just 4 steps! (And one of those steps is preheating your oven!)

Key Ingredients for Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese – We can’t have a creamy dip without cream cheese! Make sure it is room temperature before you start making the dip. It will blend together *much* easier.
• Cheese – You’ll need both sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. We aren’t messin’ around here, guys.
• Peppadew peppers – You can find jarred peppadews at most grocery stores, but I usually buy mine in the olive/salad bar section. 
• Lump crab meat – You’ll need a pound of crab meat for the dip. I find that lump style works best!
• Hot sauce – We like our dip to be a bit spicy, but you can always omit this ingredient if you’re not a fan of spice.
• RITZ crackers – I think RITZ crackers are just the right blend of delicate and buttery, but they let the dip shine, and they’re easy to arrange for a pleasing party tray. But any sturdy cracker will do. Another great option is my Homemade Melba Toast!

FAQs

What goes with Hot Crab Dip?

I think RITZ is the best cracker option for this dip, but you can use whatever crackers you prefer. Just make sure they’re able to hold a good amount of dip without breaking.

This dip is also great on a stick of celery.

How long does Hot Crab Dip last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed container (or covered with plastic wrap) leftover crab dip should last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can you reheat Hot Crab Dip?

Yes. Warm up smaller portions of leftovers quickly in the microwave, or in the original dish at 350° F for about 20 minutes or until cheese is gooey again.

How long can Crab Dip sit out?

As with any dip containing cream cheese, don’t let it sit out at room temp for more than 2 hours. Cover it with foil and return to a warm oven (150° F) to keep it warm and melty, but once the party hungries calm down, let it cool, seal it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.

Why is my Crab Dip runny?

Crab dip with cream cheese should be thick and creamy. Don’t use any low fat dairy ingredients (sour cream or cream cheese). The moisture to fat ratio will result in a thinner runnier texture. If you are using canned crab, make sure that you drain the meat before putting it in the dip.

More Great Game Day Recipes

If you can’t get enough cheesy dips, give your tailgate some Italian flair with our Lasagna Dip!

Too many wieners at your party? These Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket are an easy and fun spin on the hot dog and crescents classic. Or wrap them in Maple BACON to create MEAT CANDY: the highest form a cocktail sausage can attain!

If you’re asking “where’s the beef?” then try these Pulled Roast Beef Sliders, our Reuben Pull Apart Bread, or a simple Cheeseball with Dried Beef.

For a crunchy snack alternative, you can go wrong with our Homemade Popcorn Seasonings, or some Chocolate Covered Pretzels in your favorite team colors. Go Sports!