Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

Why This One Tastes Like the Deli Version

I’ve been wanting to make crab salad/dip at home like the stuff they have at the seafood section of my grocery store forever. It’s delicious, but $3.99 a pound is steep.

Plus, how long has it been sitting out? Who knows.

The recipe itself is incredibly easy, but it’s been tweaked over and over to get it just like I remember from the deli counter. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and tastes incredible.

The texture and flavor is much closer to crab salad than many of the creamy crab dips out there that just have cream cheese as their main ingredient.

The Ingredient Nobody Expects (Plus the Rest)

There are three main ingredients in this dip: cream cheese, imitation crab and mayonnaise. These form the bulk of the dip.

But without Worcestershire sauce, buttermilk and a small amount of finely chopped onion, this dip just wouldn’t be as good as it is.

How to Make Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened, otherwise it’ll be lumpy and you’ll be fighting it. Softened cream cheese whips up beautifully.

Add in mayo and buttermilk (see below) and beat with an electric hand mixer. Add imitation crab and process until crab meat is broken up a bit and starts to combine with the rest of the dip.

Do not process into paste! Just a few times is all you’ll need.

Add in seasonings (see below) and whip again to combine. Add in chopped onion, stir well, scrape into a container, cover, and refrigerate until cold.

That’s it!

The Cracker Conversation (and Everything Else That Works)

There are so many ways to enjoy this. My absolute favorite way is on a saltine or Ritz cracker (Ritz because they’re more buttery and salty).

It’s amazing. Other kinds of crackers are delicious with it too, as is scooping it onto an English muffin.

Notes about Ingredients & Method:

Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the key to this recipe. It gives it just enough tanginess, thins out the dip a little and brings it closer to deli-style crab salad.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, add 1/4 tsp. white vinegar to 1/4 cup milk and let stand for 5 minutes. Not exactly the same, but a pinch in a bind.

Mayonnaise: I’ve made this recipe with store brand and higher-end mayos (Dukes, Hellmann’s), and found that using a higher-end mayo definitely makes a difference in this recipe. Since mayonnaise is a major player here, spending a few dollars on the good stuff is well worth it.

Imitation Crab: Imitation crab keeps this recipe affordable so I can make it whenever I want to! I’ve seen recipes using lump crab, but haven’t personally tried it yet.

You could try it, but I think imitation crab works perfectly well.

Onion: I know many people don’t like onion in crab dip/salad, but I can’t stand it if there’s none in mine. It’s the perfect texture and has just enough bite to make this recipe.

Worcestershire Sauce: Like buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce is key to the recipe. It’s another ingredient that takes this recipe over the edge.

Chill Time: I’ve made this recipe and then eaten it after 6 hours in the refrigerator, but the flavors have never been as good as they are if you leave it overnight. Trust me on this one, it tastes sooo much better after being refrigerated for 24 hours!

Other Tips: Serve cold, straight from the refrigerator!

Covered, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving.

Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

This deli-inspired cold crab dip recipe with imitation crab is a party in a bowl. It’s perfect alongside crackers, crostini, bagels, veggie sticks, etc., and can be made days ahead.

It also makes an easy and delicious lunchtime wrap filler.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time:
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Appetizers
• Serves 2 cups

Crab Dip FAQ

Can you make crab dip without lump crab meat?

You absolutely can make crab dip without lump crab meat, and make a great-tasting crab dip, too. This crab dip uses imitation crab meat, just like many of the deli versions, and it tastes wonderful.

However, if you prefer to use real crab in this dip you can use 8 oz lump crab meat (drained well) instead.

Can you make crab dip without buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a nice tangy flavor that reminds us of deli counter crab salads/dips. If you happen to be out of buttermilk, you can easily make a DIY version, as noted in the recipe.

You could also try adding a couple of splashes of lemon juice to the recipe for a bit of tang.

Can this dip be made with reduced-fat/lighter ingredients?

You could make this dip using reduced-fat/lighter cream cheese and mayo, but it will be slightly less rich, though it still tastes good. I also wonder if the flavor would be as good using reduced-fat ingredients.

Can you freeze crab dip?

Nope! Cream cheese and mayo do not freeze well and will end up separating and looking and tasting grainy.

Not worth it.

Can you warm up crab dip?

Not this version of crab dip. This deli-inspired version of crab dip is a cold appetizer and is best enjoyed that way.

If you want a warm, melty crab dip check out this Baked Crab Rangoon Dip.

Five Easy Ways to Change This Up

• Add some Old Bay seasoning, as a pinch gives it a more classic seafood flavor.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Make it spicy. Add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce and start with a pinch or dash, mix, taste, and add more to preference.
• Add some fresh herbs. About 1 Tbsp finely-chopped fresh dill sounds yummy.
• Swap in reduced-fat mayo and/or cream cheese, though results are untested by me.

After the Crackers Are Gone

There’s nothing worse than a perfectly-good leftover appetizer that you can’t figure out what to do with. Here are some ideas for leftovers of this cold crab dip:

• Pack up leftovers for lunchtime. It’s delish spread on toasted English muffin quarters, bagels, veggie sticks, particularly celery, cucumber slices, etc. It’s also great tucked into a wrap with some lettuce/greens.
• Spoon leftover crab dip over a green salad.
• Spoon some crab dip into celery stalks, not unlike what’s pictured above.

Other Dips That Disappear Just as Fast

• Baked Crab Rangoon Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Jalapeño Popper Dip
• Seven Layer Dip
• Crock Pot Spinach and Artichoke Dip