This Cajun Crab Dip is bold, creamy, and downright irresistible-perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you're in the mood for something indulgent and a little spicy. Made with sweet lump crab meat, gooey cheese, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, it comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Why this Recipe Works
Big flavor, minimal effort - Just mix and bake for an appetizer that tastes like it came from your favorite seafood joint.
Crowd-pleasing - Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Make-ahead friendly - Prep it in advance and bake right before serving.
Versatile - Serve it with crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.
Ingredient Notes
- Lump crab meat - Look for refrigerated lump crab (not imitation).
- Onion, Celery, and Green Pepper - Also known as holy trinity in Cajun cooking, this combo adds color and flavor.
- Cream cheese - Softened to mix easily and provide the dip with a creamy base.
- Mayonnaise - Adds tang and richness.
- Cheddar & Parmesan - Sharp cheddar and parmesan add more depth of flavor.
- Cajun seasoning - Use your favorite blend or make your own with my Creole seasoning recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce - Adds umami depth and balances the creaminess.
- Lemon juice- adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Hot sauce - Kick it up a notch if you like it spicy.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the veggies: Set a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the onion, green pepper, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
- Mix the ingredients: Combine the vegetables and all the remaining ingredients, except 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, in a mixing bowl until well combined. Reserve the extra cup of cheese for the topping.
- Transfer to a dish: Scrape the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cook the dip: Bake for around 20 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and the mixture is bubbling. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Use room temp cream cheese - It blends much easier and gives you a smoother dip.
- Use lump crab meat - For the best texture and taste, use lump crab meat.
- Don't overmix the crab - You want to leave it a little chunky if possible.
What to Serve with Cajun Crab Dip
This dip is great with buttery crackers, toasted crostini, or crisp veggies like celery and bell pepper strips.
You can also serve it as part of a larger appetizer spread with other game day favorites like my baked lemon pepper wings and my cheeseburger sliders.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven or the microwave until warmed through.
More Appetizer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Cajun Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- While the oven heats, set a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the onion, green pepper, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine the vegetables and all the remaining ingredients, except 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, in a mixing bowl until well combined. Reserve the extra cup of cheese for the topping.
- Scrape the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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