Cold Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese Recipe
This Cold Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese is a flavorful and creamy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It combines tender lump crab meat with a zesty blend of Cajun spices, smooth cream cheese, and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing yet spicy dip, served chilled and garnished with parsley. Ideal for pairing with crackers, chips, or crostini, this quick and easy no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
Seasonings
- 3 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ Tablespoons smoked paprika
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
Main Ingredient
- 12 ounces lump crab meat (drained)
Garnish and Extras
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Incorporate the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground white pepper, ground mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and dried basil into the cream cheese mixture, stirring well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Combine with Crab and Onions: Gently fold in the drained lump crab meat and sliced green onions, being careful not to break up the crab too much to maintain texture.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to chill thoroughly (optional but recommended).
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dip chilled alongside crackers, chips, or crostini for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the dip chill for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor; canned crab can be used as a substitute but may alter the taste.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like sliced baguette, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for different textures.
