Easy Crab Dip (with roasted veggies)

What To Love About This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Easy Crab Dip is a testament to the joy of hassle-free cooking. It’s a quick fix for those impromptu get-togethers or last-minute cravings, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the goodness.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe boasts a line-up of everyday heroes that effortlessly elevate each other. From the creamy texture of cream cheese to the kick of jalapeño-infused Monterey Jack, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Prepare to be the star of your next gathering, as this Crab Dip has the uncanny ability to captivate hearts and taste buds alike. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser, equally at home on game day spreads or elegant dinner tables.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Elevate your hosting game with a dish that tastes divine and adds a touch of sophistication to your spread. The Easy Crab Dip is perfect for laughter-filled evenings and memorable moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes.

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

• Frozen Whole Kernel Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy element, bringing a burst of freshness to the dip.
• Red Pepper: The subtle sweetness and vibrant color of sweet pepper complement the crabmeat, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Olive Oil: To roast the veggies.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These pantry staples serve as the flavor architects, ensuring a well-balanced and seasoned dish.
• Cream Cheese: The velvety texture of cream cheese provides the creamy base that binds all the flavors together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds a hint of tanginess and further contributes to the creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Introduces a pleasant tang and lightens the overall richness of the dip.
• Natural Lump Crabmeat: The star of the show, natural lump crabmeat, brings a luxurious and sweet seafood flavor. You can use jumbo lump meat or lump crab meat. Learn the differences below.
• Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeño: Infuses a subtle heat and gooey goodness that takes the dip to the next level.
• Green Onions: Fresh and crisp, green onions add a delightful contrast, both in taste and appearance.
• Garlic Powder: Elevates the savory notes, giving the dip a warm and inviting aroma.

Jumbo Lump Crab Meat vs. Lump Crab Meat

The main difference between jumbo lump crab meat and lump crab meat lies in the size and location of the crab meat pieces.

1. Jumbo Lump Crab Meat:
   • This is the highest quality crab meat and consists of large, whole-muscle pieces.
   • Jumbo lump crab meat comes from the swimming muscles of the crab, specifically the back fin area.
   • It is prized for its impressive size, sweet taste, and delicate texture.
   • Jumbo lump crab meat is often used in dishes where large, distinct crab meat pieces are desired, such as crab cakes or salads.
   • Cost. Jumbo lump crab meat is considered a premium product due to its large, whole-muscle pieces and the fact that it is sourced from the back fin area of the crab. The careful handling and labor-intensive process of extracting these large, intact pieces contribute to its higher cost.
2. Lump Crab Meat:
   • Lump crab meat is still good quality but consists of smaller pieces than jumbo lumps.
   • It comes from the body of the crab, and while the pieces are not as large as a jumbo lump, they are still relatively large and flavorful.
   • Lump crab meat is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes like soups, dips, or casseroles.
   • It strikes a balance between the larger, more premium jumbo lump and the smaller flakes or claw meat.
   • Cost. Lump crab meat, while still of good quality, is usually more affordable than jumbo lump.

In summary, the key distinction is the size and location of the crab meat pieces, with jumbo lump being the largest and coming from the back fin area, while lump crab meat is slightly smaller and sourced from the body. Both are excellent choices, but the choice between them often depends on the specific culinary application and desired presentation.

Process Overview: How To Make Crab Dip Step-by-Step

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Roast the Veggies

In a small bowl, combine corn and red peppers. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Roast, uncovered, about 10 – 15 minutes or until vegetables start to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and let it cool.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dip

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth – you can do this with an electric hand mixer or by hand with a spatula. Add mayonnaise and sour cream; mix to combine. Stir in roasted vegetables, cheese, crab meat, green onions, and garlic powder. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.

Step 3 – Bake

Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Serve warm with slices of bread, crackers, tortillas, or pita chips.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Leftover crab dip will stay well, covered in the fridge, for up to 5 days. Rewarm in the microwave. Unfortunately, due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended.