best imitation crab dip recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best imitation crab dip recipe

I’ve been making this imitation crab dip recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. I first discovered it on a cooking website, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and flavor. The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and imitation crab meat is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. This dip is perfect for snacking on while watching a game or movie, or for serving at parties and gatherings. It’s also a great way to get in some extra protein and healthy fats.

Plus, it’s so easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until needed. I’ve served this dip at countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick lunch for my husband’s coworkers. It’s always a hit!

I’ve experimented with different types of imitation crab meat, but the one I use now is by far the best. It has a great texture and flavor that really makes this dip stand out. I’ve also added some chopped green onions and parsley to give it a bit of color and freshness.

My husband loves this dip so much that he’s requested it for his birthday party every year since we first started making it together. It’s just that good! We’ve even started making smaller batches of the dip so we can have it on hand throughout the week.

It’s perfect for grabbing a quick snack or adding to our lunches.

Best Imitation Crab Dip

4.8 from 1261 votes

This creamy, cheesy imitation crab dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. It combines tender imitation crab with a rich, savory blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings, baked until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 ounces imitation crab meat, flaked
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet with nonstick spray.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
4Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
5Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
6Mix until all seasonings are evenly incorporated.
7Gently fold in the flaked imitation crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until just combined.
8Be careful not to overmix to keep the crab pieces intact.
9Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
10Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
11Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
12Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer or wooden spoon
8×8 inch baking dish or small oven-safe skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 13g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese, light mayonnaise, and low-fat sour cream. You can also add chopped artichoke hearts or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

This imitation crab dip recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a quick snack on hand. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until needed. I like to serve it with some crudités or pita chips for dipping – but honestly, you can’t go wrong with just using tortilla chips or crackers either!

The key to making this dip work well is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp out on the imitation crab meat or cream cheese if you want the best results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Imitation Crab Dip

Q1: What is imitation crab meat?

Imitation crab meat is a plant-based alternative to real crab meat made from surimi, which is fish paste that has been processed into flakes or chunks.

Q2: Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation?

Sure thing! If you want to use real crab meat instead of imitation, you can definitely do so. Just keep in mind that real crab meat can be quite expensive.

Q3: What type of cream cheese should I use?

I prefer using regular old-fashioned cream cheese for this recipe because it has a milder flavor than the low-fat or whipped versions.

Q4: Can I make this dip in advance?

This dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.

Q5: How long does this dip stay fresh?

This dip will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I recommend using it within 3 days for optimal flavor.

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