Crab Dip Crackers Crostini

My friend Sarah brought this crab dip to a summer rooftop party years ago, and I literally hovered over the baking dish until it emerged golden and bubbling from the oven. The way the cheese creates this incredible caramelized crust while underneath stays impossibly creamy, it's the kind of appetizer that makes people abandon polite conversation. Now it's my go-to whenever I need something that feels special but somehow comes together in under an hour.

Last New Year's Eve, I made triple the amount because my apartment was filled with people grazing between board games and champagne toasts. Someone actually texted me the next day asking for the recipe because they couldn't stop thinking about it at work. Something about warm crab dip just makes people linger in the kitchen longer.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it blends seamlessly without any lumps in your final dip
• Lump crab meat: Spend the extra time picking through it carefully, even the tiniest shell fragment ruins the luxurious experience
• Fresh lemon juice: This brightens all the rich dairy and makes the crab flavor sing, don't skip it
• Parmesan and mozzarella: The Parm adds depth while mozzarella creates that gorgeous melty top everyone fights over

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare the crostini:

Set your oven to 375°F and arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brushing each piece with olive oil so they toast into perfect golden vessels for scooping

Create the creamy base:

In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with mayonnaise and sour cream until absolutely smooth, then stir in Worcestershire, hot sauce, mustard, and all your spices until everything's incorporated

Gently incorporate the crab:

Fold in the lump crab meat, Parmesan, chives, and parsley with a light hand so you don't break up those beautiful chunks of crab too much

Layer on the cheesy topping:

Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella, extra Parmesan, and panko evenly across the top for that irresistible golden crust

Bake until bubbling and golden:

Slide the dish into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes while you toast your crostini, removing both when the dip is bubbling around the edges and beautifully bronzed on top

Let it rest briefly before serving:

Give the dip about 5 minutes to cool slightly, which helps it set just enough for better scooping while staying warm and luscious

Save

What started as an experiment for a casual dinner party became the dish my sister requests for every single birthday gathering. There's something about the smell of baking crab and cheese that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a celebration worth savoring.

Make It Ahead

I've learned you can assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add those extra few minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold. The crostini can be sliced ahead but toast them right before serving for that perfect crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond crackers and crostini, this dip works beautifully with sliced baguette rounds, vegetable crudités for a lighter option, or even small roasted potatoes. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine cuts through the richness perfectly.

Recipe Success

The quality of crab matters here, so spring for jumbo lump if your budget allows, though regular lump works beautifully. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, so don't rush that first step of letting everything soften.

• Watch the panko closely in the last few minutes so it doesn't burn before the dip finishes
• Keep some extra fresh herbs on hand to sprinkle over the top right before serving
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave with a quick 30 second blast

Save

This dip has this magical way of turning ordinary gatherings into memories people reference months later. Hope it brings that same warmth to your table too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of crab meat works best?

Jumbo lump crab meat offers the best texture, but claw meat or canned crab are suitable alternatives.

→ Can I make the dip spicier?

Yes, adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will increase the heat to your preference.

→ How should I prepare the crostini?

Slice a baguette thinly, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven until golden and crisp, about 7–8 minutes.

→ Are there lighter ingredient options?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dip without sacrificing creaminess.

→ What wines pair well with this dish?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine complement the flavors beautifully.