Easy Crab and Green Onion Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese
Written by: Kathy Moulding
This easy crab and green onion dip with cream cheese is about to become your go-to recipe! Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect blend of seafood goodness and fresh, zesty green onions. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something delicious, this recipe comes together in minutes and delivers big on taste. Pair it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
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What you will love about this recipe!
- Quick & Easy to Make – This dip comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer for any occasion.
- Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful – The combination of smooth cream cheese, tender crab meat, and fresh green onions creates a deliciously creamy and savory dip that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Serve it hot or cold with crackers, bread, or veggies – it’s a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or as a tasty snack at home.
- Control the Ingredients – Making your own crab and green onion dip lets you choose high-quality crab, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and skip unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Ingredients for the Easy Crab and Green Onion Dip
The ingredients for this crab and green onion dip are as simple as they are flavorful. Each plays a key role, balancing textures and creating a dip that’s creamy, and delicious.
Cream Cheese
Cream Cheese is the heart of the dip, providing a thick, luscious base with a slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with crab.
Pro Tip: Pull it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start, because softened cream cheese is so much easier to mix, resulting in that silky, smooth texture we all crave in a good dip. If you’re in a time crunch, you can soften it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, but keep an eye on it to avoid melting.
Crab Meat
Crab meat is the star of the show. My personal preference is imitation crab meat because it gives such a great depth and texture to this dip. Real crab meat would be my choice, but is not readily available where we live.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds a rich, velvety texture and subtle tang, balancing the flavors and keeping the dip smooth and creamy.
Sour Cream
Sour Cream lightens the cream cheese base, adding a hint of tang and a silky finish that makes the dip irresistibly scoopable.
Green Onions
Green onions are the secret weapon in this recipe, adding a mild oniony flavor with a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. Slice them thin—both the white and green parts—for the best flavor distribution.
No green onions on hand? No problem! Chives are a great alternative and bring a similar, though slightly milder, flavor to the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Crab and Green Onion Dip
Preparing the Cream Cheese Base
Start with your softened cream cheese—it’s the unsung hero of this recipe. Place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl along with mayonnaise. and sour cream. Now grab a fork, a spatula, or even a hand mixer if you’ve got one handy. Mix the two until the texture is smooth and lump-free.
*Add seasoning if using, see below for different options.
Incorporating the Crab and Green Onions
Time to bring in the star ingredients. Here you have options, if you want smaller pieces of crab meat you will want to shred it. If you want nice chunks in your dip, fold the larger pieces into the cream cheese base gently. Next, toss in your thinly sliced green onions, use both the white and green parts, and stir just enough to combine everything without overmixing.
Pro Tip:
I like to throw everything into the food processor, blend until smooth and then add crab and chopped green onions and pulse until desired texture is achieved
Chilling the Dip
Transfer the crab mixture to a serving dish and pop it into your fridge for at least one hour before serving. Chilling a cold crab dip allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some favorite dippers that’ll make it a hit:
- Crackers: Classic and simple. Ritz or water crackers work wonderfully.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: The crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy dip.
- Fresh Raw Vegetables: Cucumber slices, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips add freshness and crunch.
- Tortilla Chips: A more casual choice, but still a crowd-pleaser.
Want to get fancy? Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough, fill it with the dip, and serve it as a bread bowl. It is so delicious!
Variations of the Recipe
Although the original recipe is fantastic as is, but why stop there? From spicy options to healthier swaps, here are some fun variations you can try.
Seasonings and Additions
Here’s where the magic happens—seasoning transforms good into great. For this dip, you’re going to need
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering.
- Onion Powder: Enhances that savory onion flavor we get from the green onions.
- Smoked Paprika: A touch of smokiness that makes this dip stand out.
- Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor that is rich, slightly tangy, with subtle sweet notes.
Craving a little heat? Adding spice to your crab dip can take it to the next level. Here’s how you can turn up the flavor:
- Jalapeños: Finely dice fresh jalapeños and mix them into the dip. You can also use pickled slices for a tangier kick.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can add just the right amount of zing. Go with classic options like Tabasco or Sriracha for a balanced heat.
- Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle in a small amount for an earthy spice that blends seamlessly with the creamy base.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These are ideal for adding a noticeable but mellow heat—plus, they look great sprinkled on top as a garnish.
Baked Crab Dip
Who doesn’t love warm, gooey, melted cheese? This hot crab dip recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a fall and winter favorite. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the prepared crab and green onion dip into an oven-safe dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top with shredded marble cheese or mozzarella cheese. Try a blend of cheese and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
This is the best hot crab dip and it pairs exceptionally well with toasted baguette slices or pita chips.
Pro tip: You can also broil it for a few minutes at the end to get that irresistible crispy cheese layer, making a delicious cheesy hot crab dip.
Healthy Substitutes
Looking to lighten things up? You can still enjoy a delicious crab dip without all the creaminess guilt. Try these swaps:
- Greek Yogurt: Replace part or all of the cream cheese or mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt keeps the dip creamy while cutting down on fat and adding protein.
- Light Cream Cheese: Opt for a reduced-fat version for the same creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Avocado: Mash ripe avocado to create a rich, dairy-free base. Avocado adds a fresh, buttery flavor that still complements the crab perfectly.
- Cottage Cheese: Blend it until smooth and use as a substitute for cream cheese. It’s lighter but still creamy.
These substitutes are great if you’re making the dip for a health-conscious crowd, but they also show how versatile the recipe can be with a few easy swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?
Yes! Imitation crab works well and keeps the dip budget-friendly. However, real crab provides a richer, more authentic flavor.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture
3. How can I make this dip spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños to give the dip a spicy kick.
4. Can I bake this dip to serve it warm?
Yes! Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. What can I serve with crab and green onion dip?
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, potato chips, or fresh veggies like cucumber, celery, and bell peppers for dipping.
This crab and green onion dip is more than just an appetizer—it proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll create a dish that tastes as though you spent hours in the kitchen.
If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
Easy Crab and Green Onion Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 pkg imitation crab meat
- 2-3 green onions (finely chopped)
Instructions
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese a medium-sized mixing bowl along with mayonnaise. and sour cream. Now grab a fork, a spatula, or even a hand mixer if you’ve got one handy. Mix the two until the texture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the crab meat. If you want smaller pieces of crab meat you will want to shred it. If you want nice chunks in your dip, fold the larger pieces into the cream cheese base gently.
- Next, toss in your thinly sliced green onions, use both the white and green parts, and stir just enough to combine everything without overmixing.
- Transfer the crab mixture to a serving dish and pop it into your fridge for at least one hour before serving. Chilling a cold crab dip allows the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tip
- I like to throw everything into the food processor, blend until smooth and then add crab and chopped green onions and pulse until desired texture is achieved.
Serving Instructions
- Serve with crackers (Soda, Ritz or Breton),toasted Baguette Slices, Fresh Raw Vegetables or tortilla Chips.
- Want to get fancy? Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough, fill it with the dip, and serve it as a bread bowl. It is so delicious!
Make it a Hot Dip
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Transfer the prepared crab and green onion dip into an oven-safe dish. Spread it evenly. Top with shredded marble cheese or mozzarella cheese. Try a blend of cheese and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Storage
- Once the crab dip cools (or you’ve finished serving), promptly transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it at 40°F or lower to keep it safe and fresh.Try to eat leftovers within 3-4 days. After that, the quality starts to decline. If you’re making the dip ahead of time, store it unbaked in the fridge for up to two days. Planning to rewarm it? Gently heat it in the oven or microwave until just warmed through—don’t overdo it, as this could dry out the crab.
