Imitation Crab Dip

This is going to be your new favorite dip. Break out the crackers!

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Crab dip recipes have a long history of usefulness as a quick but impressive snack dish made for last-minute guests or get-togethers. It’s simply mixed together and chilled—no equipment required. The imitation element of this recipe makes it a little more affordable while still delivering a powerful punch of deliciousness on a cracker.

You’re going to love how this tastes like a sophisticated snack. It’s a nice change from your run-of-the-mill dips. It has a mild base, so you can easily customize it according to the ingredients you have on hand. For example, for some added heat, add a few drops of hot sauce to your liking. You can also add other vegetables or stronger-flavored spices.

After trying this recipe once, you’re going to want to keep the main ingredients on hand at all times. Like emergency supplies! When making this imitation crab dip, make sure to purchase quality ingredients for optimum results. If you’d like to splurge, of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using fresh or canned crab instead.

Is Imitation Crab Dip Healthy?

As written, this is going to be a high-fat snack. That’s fine, if you can manage to just have a taste. Good luck with that! We all know that anything that starts out with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise is going to have everyone hovering over the dip bowl! But as a special treat, why not?

To make this recipe just a little lighter, the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise can all be replaced with low-fat versions, or even vegan versions. You can also substitute the same amount of Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. Don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious.

What is imitation crab?

Imitation crab is made from a paste of minced, pre-cooked white fish (known as surimi in Japanese) with added ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, sodium, or other additives.

Imitation crab is typically low in mercury, since it’s primarily made from Alaskan pollock and whiting. It can also be made from Atlantic cod, haddock, and other white fish. Imitation crab is much more affordable than real crab. Plus, it can be used straight from the package, since it’s pre-cooked.

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup imitation crab meat, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

Combine

Add crab and seasonings; mix well.

Chill

Stir in green onions, chill, and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

You’re going to want to eat this the day you prepare it, although it can be mixed up several hours in advance. Keep it well chilled. For dinner parties, using a bed of ice under the serving dish would be a good idea to make sure it’s delightfully chilled during the entire soirée!

What can I add to imitation crab dip?

You can’t go wrong with more vegetables, such as finely chopped red, orange, or yellow pepper, shredded carrots, or minced celery. As mentioned, a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper will bring a nice contrasting heat, and a dusting of Parmesan will add depth of flavor.

What can I use to dip into imitation crab dip?

Choose a cracker that will hold up to the substantial texture of this dip. Other options are veggies such as zucchini spears, cucumbers, and sweet pepper strips. It would be a good filling for mini sweet peppers, and that would make a lovely presentation on a serving platter. Pita chips are a good option, or multi-grain dipping chips. I also like it with split mini-baguettes, which makes it quite a substantial appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

There’s a chance you’re just having the dip and the dippers! But if this appetizer is just the beginning of a full-fledged meal, some ideas might include Oven-Roasted Vegetables or Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables.

If you’re on the lookout for other great dips or appetizers with a bit of sophistication, try Cucumber Sushi Rolls or Shrimp Spring Rolls. Mango Avocado Salsa is a great choice for a special occasion! And this Creamy Baba Ghanoush Recipe can be used with all the same dippers as the imitation crab dip.