Name: Classic Cold Crab Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups lump crab meat; 12oz spreadable cream cheese (I use the one in the tub); 1 lemon; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 3/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp horseradish; 1 tsp hot sauce; Fresh parsley for topping

This Classic Cold Crap Dip is a staple appetizer at my family parties. It is made with lump crab meat, cream cheese and cocktail sauce.

Who would think that a cold crab dip with cream cheese would taste THIS good?!

Theres a distinct moment in my childhood where I went from thinking this crab dip with cocktail sauce was disgusting, to knowing that it’s simply amazing.

Just spread some cream cheese on a plate, top with seasoned lump crab meat, and finally pour on some cocktail sauce. I used a homemade cocktail sauce recipe, but you can always use a jarred option to save time.

My family always served this party dip with triscuits, but I opted for some simple mills crackers.

homemade cocktail sauce pour onto old crab dip

What kitchen tools will I need to make this simple crab dip?

You won’t need much to make this cold crab dip at home. Grab a small serving plate to make the dip on.

Then, use a spatula or spoon to spread the cream cheese on to the plate. Mix the crab meat with seasoning in a small mixing bowl and mix the cocktail sauce in a separate mixing bowl.

You will also need measuring spoons and measuring cups to measure ingredients.

What ingredients will I need to make this crab appetizer?

Cream cheese
Lump crab meat
Ketchup
Hot sauce
Lemon for juice and zest
Smoked paprika
Horseradish

How do I make a homemade cocktail sauce?

I started making cocktail sauce at home because it’s so easy to make and I am able to control which ingredients I use. To make homemade cocktail sauce I use ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish and hot sauce.

You can use the amounts that I recommend in the recipe card. Then, taste the sauce and add more of any of the ingredients to get the flavor that is perfect for you.

Step by step assembly of Classic Cold Crab dip

Let’s make a Classic Cold Crab Dip!

Step 1: Season crab dip

To begin, zest the lemon and squeeze the juice from the lemon. Separate juice into two servings.

Then, mix lump crab meat with lemon zest, half of the juice from the lemon, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Prepare cocktails sauce

Prepare cocktail sauce by mixing together ketchup, the second half of the juice from the lemon, horseradish and hot sauce.

Step 3: Layer cold crab dip

Then, spread cream cheese in a circle on a serving plate. Place seasoned crab meat on cream cheese.

Finally, pour cocktail sauce over the crab meat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Side view of a cracker dipping into a cold crab dip

Can I prepare this classic cold crab dip ahead of time?

This dip is best enjoyed as soon as it is made. If you want to do prep work ahead of time, mix the crab meat with the seasonings and prepare the cocktail sauce.

Then, when you are ready to eat the dip, layer the cream cheese, crab meat, and cocktail sauce.

Check out these other delicious dip recipes

Recipe