Best Hot Crab Dip (5-star recipe!) | Valerie's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is my crab dip runny? ›

If your crab dip is too runny it likely means you didn't drain the crab meat properly. Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible before adding it to the dip.

Sometimes served on soft pretzels and sometimes baked in a skillet, but always a must-have order. We eat it on chicken (usually called “Chicken Chesapeake”) or in quesadillas, but the best way to serve hot cheesy crab dip is with fresh bread, pita wedges, celery, and/or sturdy crackers.

Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese, crabmeat, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce until well combined. Transfer crab mixture to a shallow 9x13-inch baking dish. Garnish with paprika.

For dips, you'll want to use a tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese, then add at least five ounces of evaporated milk. After that, you can use more evaporated milk to thin out your dip as much as you need.

Try adding a cornstarch slurry.

Mix together equal parts cold water and cornstarch, whisking the mixture to create a slurry. Make sure the slurry is completely combined to prevent lumps in your cream sauce.

Sourdough crackers and buttery crackers are usually the top pick. However, salty, herby and flavorful crackers will always do. Be sure to choose a cracker that is sturdy enough to hold the dense crab dip. Sea salt, sesame seeds, herbed, salty.

Key Takeaways: Crab dip is a protein-packed, low-calorie option that supports muscle growth, bone health, and energy levels, making it a delicious and nutritious choice for health-conscious snackers.

Crab dip, sometimes referred to as Maryland crab dip, is a thick, creamy dip that is typically prepared from cream cheese and lump crab meat. Other primary ingredients such as mayonnaise may be used.

Some popular substitutions for Old Bay include crab boil, cajun seasoning, and celery salt mixed with paprika. When using a substitute, make sure to start with a small amount to begin with and taste as you go. Sometimes an alternative can change your dish's flavor profile slightly, so it is best to go slow.

Why is my crab dip fishy? ›

There are several ways to tell if crab meat is fresh: Smell: Fresh crab meat should have a mild, slightly sweet smell. If it has a strong fishy or ammonia-like odor, it may be spoiled.

If your seafood dip is too thick or thin, it's easy to adjust the texture to your liking. Thicken seafood dip by stirring in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese. Thin the dip by stirring in a tablespoon of milk or a squeeze of lemon juice (which will also brighten up the flavor).

Mixing in Heavy whipping cream and whipping the mixture should give you a thicker consistency while maintaining cold temperatures and should not dilute the flavor, though you might want to adjust your yogurt/whipping cream proportions. If you want an even more thick consistency, you might try butter.

Combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir together until smooth. Pour into your sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Test the sauce with a spoon.

If your dip is runny, it usually indicates you didn't use enough chicken or added too much buffalo sauce or ranch. Using low-fat cream cheese will also give you runny results which is why the full-fat type is best.