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Simmerandsage » Recipes » Easy Cold Crab Cocktail Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese

Easy Cold Crab Cocktail Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese

July 18, 2020

By simmerandsagePublished: July 18th, 2020Updated: May 30th, 2023
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What is it about summertime that brings on the seafood cravings? This easy cold crab cocktail dip is an old favorite that I would make any time we stayed at the beach. 

It’s laid back and simple with only a few ingredients, and brings those beachy vibes to anywhere you might be. And bonus – it’s keto-friendly, low carb and naturally gluten free. 

cold crab dip with cocktail sauce and cream cheese

I love hot crab dip in the colder months. Warm, cheesy, golden brown crab dip at holiday parties is so awesome. But this right here? This is the best crab dip for summer.

It’s cool, refreshing and you can prep the whole thing in advance, making it the perfect party appetizer for low key summer nights. 

What’s in this Cold Crab Dip

This easy cold crab dip recipe comes together with just four simple ingredients:

  • Lump crab meat. We’re going to flake the crab meat with a fork, so there is no reason to buy jumbo lump crab meat, which is more expensive. 
  • Cream cheese. Full fat or neufchatel cheese will work in this recipe. 
  • Quality cocktail sauce. Look for Kelchner’s or another brand that has enough bite without being too sweet. 
  • Fresh tarragon. This herb is a classic pairing for shellfish, and it’s subtle anise flavor really complements the crab. If you don’t like the flavor of tarragon, try using fresh parsley instead. 
ingredients for cold crab cocktail dip

What kind of Crab Meat to use in this Recipe

Let’s keep it real – crab meat is expensive! A way I like to save a few bucks is choosing lump crab meat instead of jumbo lump crab meat. You’re going to flake the crab meat with a fork for this recipe anyway. So unless you’re serving crab cocktail, I see no reason to pay up for the jumbo kind. 

I have not tested this recipe using claw meat or imitation crab meat, but they are certainly other options. 

cold crab dip in a gray bowl topped with chopped tarragon

How to Make this Cold Crab Cocktail Dip

It takes about 5 minutes to whip up this easy crab dip recipe. Be sure to start with your cream cheese at room temperature so that it’s easy to stir. 

Then, flake the crab meat with a fork, but only a little bit. Be careful not to make the pieces too small. Then just combine the crab meat and cream cheese mixture together with the tarragon. 

lump crab meat, cocktail sauce, cream cheese and chopped tarragon in a glass mixing bowl

What to serve with Cold Crab Dip

I like to serve this dip with simple water crackers, which remind me of the little oyster crackers that were on the table at old school seafood restaurants. Saltines and salted gluten free crackers are other good options. 

If you’re keeping it keto, try using sliced rounds of cucumber or zucchini or celery sticks. It’s super refreshing!

Is this creamy crab dip healthy? 

This cold crab cocktail dip is low carb, gluten free and keto-friendly. When served with fresh, crunchy veggies for dipping, it’s the perfect appetizer for those who are watching their carb intake.

For strict keto dieting, be sure to read the labels when shopping for cocktail sauce, as sometimes it can add sneaky grams of sugar. 

cold crab dip on a water cracker

This dip is also high in protein, thanks to the lump crab and cream cheese. 

How long will this dip last in the fridge? 

This is a great make-ahead recipe, and will also stay fresh in your refrigerator for 2-3 days if you happen to have leftovers. I’ve never seen it happen, but you never know! 

Be sure to store this dip in an airtight container or cover the serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. 

Variations on this Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Here are some twists on this simple, summery dip: 

  • If you’re not a fan of the anise flavor of tarragon, try using fresh parsley or diced green onions instead. 
  • To add more of a kick to this dip, give it a few drops of hot sauce or a few shakes of Old Bay seasoning. 
  • For a natural flavor complement, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice before serving. 
  • To add tanginess, replace half of the cream cheese with sour cream. 
cold crab cocktail dip with cream cheese with water crackers and fresh tarragon

​A Note about the Cocktail Sauce

The cocktail sauce you use in this dip really matters. The cheap stuff is going to yield a sweeter dip. And if that blows your hair back, then go for it. But I like this dip when it’s got a little bit of a bite, which comes from having enough horseradish in the cocktail sauce. 

Now, it’s easy enough to make your own cocktail sauce out of ketchup and horseradish. But if you buy it pre-made, I highly recommend Kelchner’s. It is quite simply the bomb and it’s the only cocktail sauce I buy.

If you’re unable to find Kelchner’s at your local grocery store, I’d recommend adding a teaspoon of horseradish to whatever other cocktail sauce you’re using. 

When you make this easy cold crab dip with cream cheese & cocktail sauce, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment or drop a rating below. Enjoy! 

For more crabby recipes, try these:

  • Crab & Corn Pasta with Sherry Cream Sauce
  • Herby Maryland Crab Cakes
  • Skinny Crabmeat Stuffed Mushrooms

For more easy appetizers, try these:

  • Greek Feta Dip with Pepperoncini
  • Easy Pimento Cheese Dip
  • Spinach Artichoke Bites
Cold Crab Dip1 300x300

Easy Cold Crab Cocktail Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese

A creamy and cool lump crab meat dip with fresh tarragon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. cream cheese room temperature
  • 8 oz. lump crab meat
  • 1 cup quality cocktail sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Gently flake the crab meat into small pieces with a fork. Do not break it up too much.
  • Mix cream cheese and cocktail sauce together in a large bowl. Slowly fold the crab meat and tarragon into the cream cheese mixture. Chill before serving. Garnish with additional tarragon.
Keyword appetizers, easy, gluten free
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Comments

  1. Avatar for Tobi GrantTobi Grant says

    June 25, 2023 at 10:42 am

    Easy and sounds great!

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Jackie.

Jackie

Welcome to my little food utopia! Here you'll find simple recipes that are usually healthy, occasionally indulgent and always delicious. I'm a self-taught cook, recipe creator and food photographer. Sometimes you might see me talking about my favorite subject - food - on QVC. Thanks for trusting me with your dinner plans!

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