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Hot Crab Salsa Dip

Hot Crab Salsa Dip

Craving something creamy and delicious? The Hot Crab Salsa Dip is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and the sweetness of crab. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this easy-to-make dip is sure to impress your guests. Try it tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chunky tomato salsa drained of excess liquid in a mesh sieve
  • 16 ounces block-style cream cheese room temperature
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat picked over to remove cartilage and flaked
  • hot red pepper sauce to taste
  • ½ cup plain fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your dip bakes evenly and gets that lovely bubbly texture.
  2. Butter a 1-quart baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a touch of richness to the dish.
  3. In a large bowl, mash together the cream cheese, salsa, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix until combined and no chunks of cream cheese remain. This step is crucial for a smooth and creamy dip.
  4. Gently fold in the crabmeat and season to taste with hot sauce. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat too much; you want some nice chunks for texture.
  5. Transfer the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This allows for even baking and a consistent texture.
  6. Top the dip with breadcrumbs. This will create a deliciously crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the dip.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs after about 30 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with a piece of foil until the last 5 minutes of baking.
  8. Once baked, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch just before serving.
  9. Serve the dip hot with warmed, lightly-salted tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

  • Tip 1: The amount of hot sauce will vary based on your tastes and the heat levels of both your salsa and hot pepper sauce.
  • Tip 2: This dip can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator, unbaked and covered until needed.