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A close-up of a creamy Southwest crab dip topped with fresh green onions and jalapeños, served with crispy tortilla chips and colorful vegetable sticks.

Easy Southwest Crab Dip

This Easy Southwest Crab Dip with a Tex-Mex Twist is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that combines the richness of crab meat with zesty Tex-Mex ingredients. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, this dip is sure to impress your guests with its delightful flavors and creamy texture.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (15 minutes prep + 25 minutes cook)
  • Yield: Approximately 2 cups of dip 1x

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 2 green onions, chopped
    • 1–2 jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Optional Add-Ins:

    • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: If you prefer a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add Crab and Vegetables: Gently fold in the crab meat, chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, and any optional add-ins like diced tomatoes or black beans.
  4. Season the Mixture: Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: If baking, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  6. Bake (if desired): Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. If serving cold, skip this step.
  7. Serve: Enjoy warm with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or pita bread. Garnish with extra green onions and diced avocado if desired.
  • Author: Aida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes (if baking)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup per serving