Crab Rangoon dip transforms the flavors of the beloved Chinese takeout appetizer into a creamy, shareable dish perfect for gatherings, holidays, or game day spreads. Featuring tender crab meat, cream cheese, scallions, and a touch of garlic, this warm and bubbly dip is rich, savory, and packed with flavor.
Easy to make and endlessly crowd-pleasing, this dip can be served with wonton chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a quick and comforting snack, this recipe brings the essence of crab Rangoon to your table in a fun and scoopable format.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer.
- Eight ounces cream cheese, softened
- One half cup sour cream
- One tablespoon mayonnaise
- One teaspoon soy sauce
- One teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- One garlic clove, minced
- One teaspoon lemon juice
- One and one half teaspoons sugar
- One half teaspoon salt
- One half teaspoon black pepper
- One cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- One cup cooked lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- One quarter cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Crab and Cheese
- Fold in the crab meat, mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions.
- Serve warm with wonton chips, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh-cut vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with homemade baked wonton chips or fried wonton wrappers for a traditional touch.
- Pair with rice crackers or sliced cucumbers for a gluten-free option.
- Use the dip as a filling for mini phyllo cups for bite-sized appetizers.
- Add a dash of sriracha on top for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (based on 8 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 9 grams |
| Total Fat | 17 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 400 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Crab meat provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals.
- Cream cheese and sour cream create a rich texture with a small calcium boost.
- Green onions and garlic contribute flavor and trace nutrients with very few calories.
- Easy to portion and serve, making it great for sharing without overindulging.
Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the dip. The center should be hot but still creamy.
- If using canned crab, drain well and pick through to remove any cartilage.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayo.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped water chestnuts for crunch.
- Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Stir in a spoonful of sweet chili sauce for a sweet-savory balance.
Crab Rangoon dip is everything you love about the crispy appetizer — creamy, savory, and satisfying — in an easy, warm dip form. It’s a perfect dish for entertaining, snacking, or turning an ordinary night into something special.