Creamy Crab Dip

This creamy crab dip is full of flavor and sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Homemade seafood seasoning gives this dip its unique and irresistible taste. Member’s Mark™ Parsley and Chopped Chives add a dash of bright coloring, while Spanish Style Paprika and Cayenne Pepper add just the right amount of kick. 

Tips for Preparing Crab Meat

1. Cook the crab (if it’s live or raw)

Steaming is best for dip—it preserves flavor and avoids waterlogging.

• Bring 1–2 inches of water to a boil

• Add crab, cover, steam 15–20 minutes (depending on size)

• Crab is done when shell turns bright red and meat is opaque

*Avoid boiling if you can—it dilutes flavor.

2. Cool completely

• Let crab cool until easy to handle

• You can refrigerate 30–60 minutes to firm up the meat (makes picking easier)

3. Crack & pick carefully

• Remove legs and claws first, then body

• Use a crab cracker or back of a spoon

• Pick meat in large pieces when possible (especially lump meat)

* Spread meat on a baking sheet or plate as you go

4. Check for shells & cartilage (don’t skip this)

• Gently run fingers through the meat

• Look for:

  • Small shell shards

  • Translucent cartilage pieces

• Fresh crab always hides a few

5. Drain excess moisture

Fresh crab releases natural juices.

• Place meat in a fine-mesh sieve

• Drain 10–15 minutes

• Gently blot with paper towels
  Do not squeeze

6. Separate by texture (optional but chef-level)

• Lump meat → fold into dip at the end

• Smaller bits → mix into the base
  This keeps the dip chunky and elegant.

7. Season lightly (crab is delicate)

Before adding to your dip:

• Pinch of salt

• Tiny bit of white pepper

• Optional: lemon zest (not juice yet)

8. Fold in last

• Mix your dip base completely first (cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, cheese)

• Gently fold crab in with a spatula

• Stop as soon as it’s combined

Bonus tips (what pros do)

• For hot dips: bring crab to room temp before mixing

• For cold dips: chill 1–2 hours after mixing, then add herbs before serving

• Finish with extra lump crab on top for presentation

Creamy Crab Dip

This creamy crab dip is full of flavor and sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Homemade seafood seasoning gives this dip its unique and irresistible taste.

Servings 6

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 12 oz Imitation crab meat or fresh lump crabmeat, picked clean of shells
• 1/2 cup Daisy® Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Hellmann’s® Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Scallions, chopped
• 2 tbsp ReaLemon® 100% Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Member’s Mark™ Parsley Flakes
• 1 tbsp Homemade Seafood Seasoning see ingredients below
• Member’s Mark™ Chopped Chives, to taste
• Celery sticks

Homemade Seafood Seasoning

• 1 tbsp Celery salt
• ¼ tsp Member's Mark™ Spanish Style Paprika
• ⅛ tsp Member's Mark™ Fine Ground Black Pepper
• ⅛ tsp Member's Mark™ Cayenne Pepper
• 1 pinch Ground dry mustard
• 1 pinch Ground mace
• 1 pinch Member's Mark™ Ground Cinnamon
• 1 pinch Ground allspice
• 1 pinch Ground cloves
• 1 pinch Ground nutmeg

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Instructions

 

For the Dip

• In a medium size bowl, combine crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, lemon juice, Member’s Mark™ Parsley Flakes, and homemade seafood seasoning. Mix well.
• Top with Member’s Mark™ Chopped Chives and serve with celery sticks.

For the Homemade Seafood Seasoning

• In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container for a couple months.

Video

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizer, crab, creamy, dip