This Hot Corn and Crab Dip is the perfect appetizer for any party! The creaminess of the garlicky cheese and addition of sweet bell peppers, corn, and jalapenos are an awesome combination with the delicious crab. Make it as mild or as spicy as you’d like!
Original recipe posted: May 2015 | Recipe updated: October 2019
We typically do not do sit-down family dinners in the summer. We let the boys eat outside as much as possible and usually that means Dan and I fend for ourselves. I call it our warm-weather-loving summer no-schedule dinner schedule.
I have mentioned before that we LOVE dips, like this Buffalo Chicken Dip and this Spinach Artichoke Dip and this Chicken Jalapeno Dip. This particular spicy, gooey dip had been on my brain for a while and I threw it together the other night as an unconventional (for most), conventional (for us) dinner for Dan and myself. It was so ridiculously good and please no judging when I tell you that the two of us polished it off in ONE HOUR. That. Good.
Having dips available at a party or gathering are great because they are simple, feed a lot of people and fill you up with so many flavor opportunities to make! If your guests are speaking to different people and mingling, a small serving of dip can still be enjoyed. If you don’t love a hot dip, don’t fret, we have choices that fill into the other category. Spinach Avocado Hummus can be dipped with the same pretzels or veggies that you’d use with the crab dip. Don’t forget that most people love a fresh salsa or classic guacamole recipe! Need to counteract the salty and savory? Add a little sweetness with a creamy fruit dip and sliced apples!
HOW TO PREPARE HOT CRAB DIP
I used my cast-iron skillet to make this dip, but if you don’t own one do not fret!
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 400.
In whichever type of skillet you have, add corn, green onions, jalapeño peppers (optional), bell pepper, garlic, salt and pepper.
Cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
STEP 2
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, crab meat, Worcestershire sauce and diced chiles (optional).
STEP 3
Add mixture to the skillet and remove from heat. If you are using a cast iron, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. If not, add the mixture to a greased square baking dish first. Transfer to a serving dish, if desired, just before serving!
RECIPE TIPS
If you love a little heat but don’t have a jalapeno on hand, use a hot sauce, like sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to spice up your dip.
In the Midwest, we don’t have fresh crab readily available so we use lump crab meat. Splurge if you can, but it’ll be good either way!
Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves to your dip if you love garlic!
Add a half cup of crispy bacon chopped into the pan for a delicious addition!
Squirt the entire dip with freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THE DIP
Tortilla chips or Baguette chips
Naan or pita bread
Breadsticks
Veggies such as carrots or celery
No matter how you serve this dip, it’ll be a huge hit at gatherings or, ahem, as a dinner for two. Enjoy!
CAN YOU MAKE THIS DIP AHEAD OF TIME
You can prepare this dip in advance with two different methods: Saute the veggies and let them cool, then refrigerate them. Assemble the ingredients from step 2 and put them in the fridge. Warm them together when you’re ready to serve. This OR you can follow the instructions for the recipe, allow it to cool, then refrigerate your cast iron pan with a covering of aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve, warm it up in the oven.
CAN I USE IMITATION CRAB
While the amount of imitation would be the same for lump meat, imitation crab is a mix of ingredients that mimic crab and consist of fish parts. I would not recommend substituting this for this dip.
OTHER DELICIOUS PARTY FOOD OPTIONS
I LOVE party food, so you have come to the right place if you are looking for recipes to make for your next gathering. Here are some options for you that will be easy, delicious and crowd-pleasing!
The Best 7 Layer Taco Dip – This is the best 7 Layer Taco Dip you’ll ever meet! It’s the perfect appetizer and party food and it is always the first thing to get devoured.
Classic Deviled Eggs – Deviled Eggs are an American classic! Known best for their appearances at summer potlucks and Easter dinner, they are a delicious addition to any gathering. Deviled eggs are a simple, easy-to-make finger food that should not be underestimated!
Pickle Roll-Ups – Pickle Roll-ups are most perfect appetizer for any type of gathering! Only THREE ingredients, ten minutes of your time and guests will be raving! These pop in your mouth so easily and will be gone in no time.
Oven Baked Fries – These French Fries are healthier than the fried version and also super ADDICTING! Be warned!
Balsamic Bruschetta – So much flavor in each small bite sized piece of french bread. Tomatoes marinated in basil, oil and balsamic vinegar with a little garlic is perfection. This bruschetta is the perfect little finger food for any gathering! Be ready to knock people’s socks off!
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and tag it @pipandebby + hashtag it #PIPANDEBBY I’d love to see what you create!
Hot Corn and Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 orange or red bell pepper chopped
- 1 bunch green onions sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 jalapeno pepper finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz. can diced green chiles (optional)
- A few splashes Worcestershire sauce
- 6 oz. package lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or regular skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onions, garlic, corn, jalapeños (if using), salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, green chiles (if using), Worcestershire sauce and crab meat. Mix well and add to the skillet. Stir until combined.
- If using a cast-iron skillet, spread dip in an even layer, top with shredded cheese and remove from heat. If not using a cast-iron skillet, coat a square baking dish with cooking spray and add the contents of the skillet topped with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
In the Midwest, we don’t have fresh crab readily available so we use lump crab meat. Splurge if you can, but it’ll be good either way!
Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves to your dip if you love garlic!
Add a half cup of crispy bacon chopped into the pan for a delicious addition!
Squirt the entire dip with freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving!
This sounds amazing. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
I think this sounds like a really great dip! We too love dips and I can't wait to try this one!! Thanks!!