Need some ideas on what to serve with a crab dip? A good, cheesy, hot crab dip or cold crab dip makes a perfect appetizer! Here are all my recommendations on what to serve with it.

A large circular wood board with a hot crab dip in the middle with fresh produce, bread, chip and crackers around the dish.

Fresh seafood is a staple in our house. From catching to cooking, I appreciate every step of the process.

I dive more into this topic with David from Cook Local Eat Local on his podcast where we talk all about local seafood. Get the show notes and listen.

There is nothing like a hot and cheesy crab dip. It's always a crowd favorite and super easy to make.

Another winner is also a cold crab dip. Doesn't require any cooking and is loaded with fresh herbs.

This post will cover how to make it, some recipe ideas and what to serve with it.

If you love crab, get all my recipes made with Dungeness crab.

Jump to:

What is in crab dip?
How Do You Make Crab Dip?
What to Serve with Crab Dip?
Fresh Bread
Chips & Crackers
Fresh Produce
📋Recipe

What is in crab dip?

Typically, crab dip consists of a cream cheese base with sour cream and cheddar cheese. There are many different cheese options out there that would pair well with crab dip. It's usually a creamy dip that can be served either hot or cold.

Three types of crab can be used:

Imitation Crab
Fresh crab meat.
Canned Crab meat

Cleaning and cooking fresh crab can be intimidating. I have made it easy with a step-by-step tutorial. Learn how to cook, clean, and process fresh Dungeness crab for your next creamy crab dip.

You can definitely follow a recipe or you can make it your own. Just start with a brick of cream cheese, add some sour cream then add in your favorite seafood seasoning, cheese and fresh ingredients like lemon juice and green onions.

Some great flavors that can be added to a crab dip are:

Worcestershire Sauce
Dashes of Hot Sauce
Diced Jalapeno
Old Bay Seasoning
Sea Salt
Pepper Jack Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese

This is my hot crab dip recipe and a cold crab dip version if you are looking for a good crab dip with a printable recipe card.

How Do You Make Crab Dip?

Crab dip is really easy to make. Just mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and seasonings. Then fold in the crab and spread in a small baking dish.

Then, serve it as is or baked in the oven. It can also easily be doubled for a much larger crowd.

Get my easy cheesy crab dip recipe that uses real crab meat.

So now that you have this delicious crab dip to serve at your next party, what goes with it? Below are my recommendations to serve with your warm crab dip.

Need another good seafood dip? Check out my smoked salmon dip or baked clam dip.

What to Serve with Crab Dip?

Below are some of the best things to serve with your dip. Create a platter with a variety of options from fresh bread to produce.

If there is something missing, please leave a comment below on what you like to pair your dip with.

Fresh Bread

A wooden board with crab dip in a baking dish with sliced baguette and pieces of sourdough.

Homemade Sourdough: There is nothing like homemade sourdough with a fresh crab dip. Learn how to make a loaf.
Bread Bowl: Scoop out a bread bowl and place the dip inside. Then, use the extra bread as a dipper.
Baguette Slices: Take a baguette loaf and slice thin.
Naan Flat Bread: Cut some flat bread into bite sized pieces.
Gluten-Free Bread: Keep in mind if someone is gluten-free and serve an appropriate option for them.

Really any fresh bread will make a great dipper.