This Slow Cooker Crab Dip is a rich, creamy seafood appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Made with tender lump crab meat, cream cheese, and classic seasonings, it’s designed to stay warm and ready to serve straight from the slow cooker. Ideal for holidays and parties, this dip pairs beautifully with crackers, pita bread, or rye bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe :

• Creamy, indulgent seafood dip

• Easy slow cooker preparation

• Stays warm for serving

• Perfect for parties and holidays

Equipment :

• 6-quart slow cooker

• Mixing spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Can opener

• Serving spoon

Ingredients :

• 3 (6-ounce) cans lump crab meat, drained and flaked

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 teaspoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• Chopped scallions, for garnish

• Crackers, pita bread, or rye bread, for serving

Instructions :

1. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray.

2. Add the crab meat, cream cheese, red onion, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, sugar, lemon zest, and Old Bay seasoning to the slow cooker.

3. Stir gently until well combined.

4. Cover and cook on low for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and creamy.

5. Garnish with chopped scallions.

6. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with crackers, pita bread, or rye bread.

Tips & Notes :

• Gently fold the crab to keep the pieces intact.

• Adjust Old Bay to taste for more or less seasoning.

• Keep the slow cooker on warm during serving to prevent drying out.

Storage & Make-Ahead :

• Make-Ahead: Assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended due to dairy.

• Reheat: Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve with crackers, pita bread, or rye bread

• Add sliced vegetables for dipping

• Include in a seafood appetizer spread

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
A1: Yes, fresh cooked crab meat works beautifully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this dip spicier?
A2: Yes, add a pinch of cayenne or extra Old Bay for more heat.

Q3: Can I keep this dip warm for hours?
A3: Yes, keep it on the warm setting and stir occasionally.