Jalapeno Crab Dip

Cold Crab Dip with Jalapeños is a creamy, spicy chilled dip that is perfect for crab lovers. A great party dip served with veggies or crackers.

When it comes to enjoying crab, there are so many different ways that you can make it. You can go traditional and make Maryland Style Crab Cakes. Or you can make everyone’s favorite American Chinese classic Crab Rangoon. Hot Crab Spinach and Artichoke Dip is one of my favorite cheesy ways to enjoy crab and Crab Ceviche is perfect for hot summer days.

Like I said, there are so many different ways to enjoy crab. And today I’m sharing another tasty crab recipe with you: Cold Crab Dip with Jalapeños. A lot of crab dips that you find out there are served hot, and while those are good, on a hot summer day, a cold dip really hits the spot. That is where this Cold Crab Dip comes in handy. It’s a bit spicy. Super creamy and all kinds of delicious.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Cold Crab Dip Ingredients:

• CRAB: I have made this dip with fresh crab, canned crab and imitation crab. All three will work in this recipe. I prefer it with fresh crab but that is going to be the most expensive option. If you want to use canned crab, make sure that you drain it very well.
• CREAM CHEESE: The cream cheese is what gives this dip it’s creaminess. You need to make sure that it is room temperature so that it mixes well.
• JALAPEÑO: This adds a bit of crunch and spiciness to the dip. If you want it to be less spicy remove all the seeds. If you want it to be spicy, leave them in there. To learn more about chiles and their spiciness levels, check out my Guide to Chile Peppers.
• ONION: Make sure that you mince the onion fine so that you don’t get big bites of raw onion.
• LEMON JUICE: Adds some brightness and acidity to the dip.
• PAPRIKA: Adds color and smoky flavor.
• GRANULATED GARLIC: This adds a bit of garlic flavor. Raw garlic would be too overpowering. Garlic powder would also work. If you only have garlic salt, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
• SALT AND PEPPER.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

This crab dip is super easy to make! The number one tip I have is to make sure that the cream cheese is room temperature. This will help ensure that it whips well so you can mix all of the ingredients together. The hardest part, is waiting at least an hour for the flavors to meld. But do it! It’ll taste the best.

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STEP #1: Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth.

STEP #2: After the cream cheese is smooth add in the remaining ingredients. Gently fold them together. Depending on the crab that you use, it will break apart.

STEP #3: Cover the crab dip and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with crackers, veggies or toasted bread.

Storage and Leftovers:

While this dip tastes better after it has chilled, it is best to eat this within a couple of days so don’t make it too far in advance.

RECIPE FAQ:

Looking for more easy appetizer recipes for your next party? Try these:

Artichoke Tapenade is a must make for all of your charcuterie boards!

This easy Pizza Dip will change your life. It’s that good, friends.

If you want more seafood dips, like this cold crab dip, try this Smoked Salmon Dip or Clam Dip next!

Note: This post was originally written in 2008. It was updated in 2023 with new photos, step by step instructions, nutrition information and a slightly modified recipe.