This creamy Dungeness Crab Dip combines sweet crab, mild green chiles, melty Jack cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, and fresh chives for a warm, savory dip that’s seriously hard to stop eating. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and full of the fresh coastal flavor I love.
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Dungeness crab has always felt a little nostalgic for me. Growing up, my mom would make the best crab dip after days when we’d catch more crab than we knew what to do with while boating around Puget Sound. There was something about coming home with fresh crab and turning it into something warm, creamy, and meant to be shared that made those days even better.
This version brings back that same feeling with sweet Dungeness crab, mild green chiles, melty Jack cheese, sour cream, mayo, smoked paprika, and fresh chives. It’s rich and comforting, but the crab still gets to be the star. Serve it warm with toasted bread, crackers, or tortilla chips and it’s the kind of appetizer that feels right at home for holidays, game days, or any night you want a little taste of the Pacific Northwest.
Why You’ll Love Dungeness Crab Dip
- Loaded with Dungeness crab – Sweet, tender crab is the star of every bite.
- Creamy and cheesy – Jack cheese, sour cream, and mayo make it rich, melty, and perfect for dipping.
- Just a little kick – Green chiles add mild heat without overpowering the delicate crab.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – Smoked paprika and fresh chives add plenty of flavor without making the recipe complicated.
- Easy entertaining – Perfect for holidays, game days, happy hour, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Pacific Northwest comfort food – A warm, nostalgic way to enjoy one of the best things to come out of Puget Sound.for zdun
What You’ll Need for Dungeness Crab Dip
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- Dungeness Crab – 8 ounces of a combination of lump and backfin/flake meat.
- Green Chilies – 4 ounce can of green chilies.
- Cheese – Grated Monterey jack cheese gives a creamy cheese pull.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base for our dip starts with Best Foods mayonnaise.
- Sour Cream – Combined with the mayonnaise adds a nice tangy flavor.
- Smoked Paprika – Use smoked paprika or regular paprika if you don’t like the smoked taste.
- Chives – Fresh cut chives for garnish and flavor.
Make It Your Way
Can’t find Dungeness crab? Use good-quality lump crab meat instead.
Like it spicy? Add a little hot sauce.
Green onions can replace chives.
Replace Monterey jack with pepper jack.
Dungeness Crab Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients, except chives, being careful not to break up lump crab pieces. Save a little Monterey jack cheese to top dip before placing in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Garnish with chives.
SALTY OWL TIP
For that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close on it – the top can go from perfectly golden to too dark quickly.
More Seriously Good Recipes
If you love this creamy Dungeness Crab Dip, there are plenty more ways to put that sweet, delicate crab meat to good use. Try my Dungeness Crab Sliders with bright lemon mayo, fresh chives, and a touch of smoked paprika for an easy handheld bite. For something warm and buttery, the Dungeness Crab Rolls are tossed with melted butter, tarragon, and a hint of chipotle powder for just the right amount of smoky heat. And when you’re craving something a little heartier, my Dungeness Crab Enchiladas turn fresh crab into a cozy, flavor-packed dinner.
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