Explore our Christmas recipe collection for more holiday inspiration!

Holidays are only days away and excitement is building in our family. We can’t wait to begin celebrating. Bring on the bubbly, tasty little bites and everything sparkly! This hot crab dip recipe I am sharing with you today is a variation on the crab and corn salad I make every New Year’s Eve without fail. The recipe came from my mom, and the woman knows how to cook! I didn’t think it was possible to improve on it but I am pretty sure I just did, and I feel like doing a happy dance.

How to make it

Making this crab dip is easier than easy. Roast the corn with olive oil in the oven until slightly charred and caramelised. This little step adds loads of flavour! Once that is done, simply combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, roasted corn, sharp cheddar, jarred marinated red peppers, green onions, black pepper and crab meat in a bowl.  Spread in a small shallow baking dish and bake in the preheated oven till hot and bubbly. 

What crab meat to use

The crab salad, which initially inspired this dip, used imitation crab and canned corn. You are probably rolling your eyes right now but believe me it’s surprisingly delicious. For this hot dip I decided to go big and used REAL fresh crab and roasted corn! Yum times 1,000, that’s what I got. Canned crab meat will also work.  If you don’t want to use real crab, which is expensive, go ahead and throw shrimp into it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with assorted crackers, sliced baguette or sourdough bread. 

More dip recipes:

Creamy Cranberry and Chorizo Dip Smoked Cheddar Southwestern Dip Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Mint Pistachio Pesto Creamy Cilantro Walnut Dip

This recipe was originally published 12/2013. Updated with new photos and text in 12/2020.  

Hot Crab and Roasted Corn Dip - 62Hot Crab and Roasted Corn Dip - 19Hot Crab and Roasted Corn Dip - 74Hot Crab and Roasted Corn Dip - 23Hot Crab and Roasted Corn Dip - 24