Around the holidays one of my favorite appetizers to make is this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe. Creamy, cheesy crab dip that goes perfectly with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices and vegetable slices.

This version is my copycat take on the Bahama Breeze restaurant menu item. And because the closest restaurant is about 2 hours away, I knew that if I wanted it more than once a year, I had to learn to make it myself.

There is just something feels extra special when you make a hot dip that includes lump crab meat. So every Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve I pull out this recipe and enjoy a special appetizer with my loved ones.

Although it works as a hot dip fresh from the oven you can also serve it as a chilled dip when the occasion calls for something cold. Either way, it takes only minutes to mix together, and the ingredients are easy to keep on hand during the holiday season.

The Flavor Balance in This Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe

Jumbo lump crab meat takes center stage in this dip, giving it that seafood-restaurant richness that feels special for both holidays and weekend gatherings. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack creates a smooth and slightly spicy base.

The mayonnaise adds creaminess, the horseradish brings a warm kick, and the French dressing ties everything together with a sweet-tangy finish. It may sound like an unexpected mix of ingredients, but this blend creates an incredibly flavorful dip that tastes exactly like the popular restaurant appetizer.

This dip is also conveniently make-ahead friendly. The cold version tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator, and the hot version can be mixed in advance and baked just before serving.

Those small conveniences are lifesavers during the chaotic holiday season.

Why Cheesy Crab Dip Is Perfect for the Holiday Season

The week before Christmas is one of the busiest weeks in my kitchen – baking, prepping meals, organizing snacks, and setting up for gatherings.

Therefore, I’m always grateful for appetizers that look fancy but require very little effort. This Cheesy Crab Dip recipe is both rich and indulgent, especially with jumbo lump crab and a blend 3 different varieties of cheese.

You can scale it up when hosting a crowd or leave it as-is when you just want a special treat. As written below its the right size for two people to enjoy during a cozy evening at home with enough leftovers to enjoy the next day. Although you can easily double or triple the recipe when hosting a crowd.

A Great Appetizer for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve parties are known for shareable appetizers even if you are just hosting a small celebration, and this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe is always a hit. The texture is creamy and smooth, with plenty of crab flavor in every bite.

The French dressing adds a slightly sweet tang that balances the richness, and the horseradish provides just enough zip to wake up the dip without overpowering it.

Whether you’re celebrating with a small group or hosting a larger gathering, this dip pairs well with crostini, crackers, and crisp vegetables.

It also works beautifully alongside classic New Year’s Eve favorites like Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, charcuterie, and small-bite snacks.

A Crowd-Pleaser for Game Day Gatherings

When football season arrives, this dip becomes part of my game-day rotation. The hot version is perfect for chilly winter afternoons when you want something warm and comforting. It blends right in with wings, sliders, and all the classic snacks you normally see on a game-day spread.

The creamy cheese base melts together perfectly in the oven, forming a golden, bubbly top layer that’s irresistible. And because the recipe is easy to double or triple, feeding the family when they come over to watch the game is never an issue.

Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 4 tablespoons French dressing

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure they mix smoothly.
2. Combine the crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, mayonnaise, horseradish, and French dressing in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well blended.
3. For the hot dip version: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the dip to a small oven-safe dish and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.
4. For the cold dip version: Cover and refrigerate the bowl for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Ideas for Hot and Cold Versions

One of the best features of this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe is its versatility. The hot version bakes into a bubbly, golden dip that pairs perfectly with toasted baguette slices or crostini.

The cold version is creamy and refreshing which is ideal for parties where appetizers need to sit out for a while without losing quality. However because it contains dairy products, be sure it doesn’t sit out more than 2 hours.

Regardless of whether you serve it hot or cold, they both go well with:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Crostini
• Crackers
• Pita chips
• Celery sticks
• Sliced cucumbers
• Bell pepper strips

Storage Tips for Cheesy Crab Dip

Proper storage helps keep this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe tasting fresh and creamy, even after the party is over. Because the dip contains dairy and seafood, it should always be stored in the refrigerator when not being served.

Allow the dip to cool completely before storing if you made the hot version. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. The dip will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you served the dip cold, return any leftovers to the refrigerator as soon as possible. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the texture and prevents separation. Stir the dip gently before serving again to bring the ingredients back together.

To reheat the dip, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 325°F until heated through. Heating slowly helps prevent the cheese from becoming oily. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each round.

Freezing is not recommended for this Cheesy Crab Dip recipe. The cream cheese and mayonnaise can separate once thawed, which affects the texture. For best results, enjoy this dip fresh or within a few days of making it.

Enjoy! Mary

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