Crab Rangoon Dip Recipe (2024)

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If you love the classic Chinese appetizer of crab rangoon, you’ll flip for this rich, cheesy scoop-able dip version!Overflowing with fresh lump crab and paired with homemade baked wonton chips for dipping, this delicious crab dip is a total crowd pleaser that always impresses! Best of all, serve this recipe hot and bubbly, straight from the oven, or prepare it in advance and enjoy it cold.

Featured comment: Family loved it… making again for Christmas!” – Karen

Continue to read on for simple tips and tricks for preparing the ultimate crab dip! And, don’t miss the comprehensive step-by-step photographs and recipe video showing you exactly how easy it is to make the best dip with lump crab at home!

Update: This post was originally published in April 2015. I took new photos and updated the post below to include more information about cream cheese crab dip. Plus, I added step by step photos and a recipe video to show you how quick and easy it is to make the best crab dip at home!

About this crab rangoon dip recipe

If you are a fan of classic crab rangoon, you are going to fall crazy in love with this creamy, cheesy seafood dip! This fresh and delicious dip tastes exactly like the filling in your favorite Chinese takeout – crab rangoon dumplings!

This thick and creamy crab dumpling dip is jam packed with tender, delicate lump crab, mild green onions, crunchy water chestnuts, Asian umami flavor and two types of cheeses! Savory with a faint hint of sweetness, this dip is rich and highly addictive! Served with simple to prepare, thin and crispy homemade wonton chips, this duo tastes like your favorite Chinese appetizer in cheesy, scoop-able form!

If you love sweet crabmeat, be sure to try these delicious recipes next:Deviled Eggs Crabmeat,Seafood Bisque with Crab,Crab Stuffed Avocados, andCrabmeat pasta.

Why you’ll love this dip recipe

• SO flavorful: This dip is bursting with delicious flavor! From the plump fresh crab to the robust seasonings and ultra-creamy cheese, this recipe is anything but boring or bland!
• Easy to find ingredients: This modern, scoop-able take on traditional Crab Rangoon uses easy to find ingredients to create a dip that is addictive and truly irresistible!
• SO simple to make: This cheesy crab dip couldn’t be any easier to make! All you need to do is throw everything into a bowl and stir it together!
• Fast recipe: This addicting warm crab dip is ready in 30 minutes or less! (It’s just a 10 minute recipe if you are serving it cold!!)
• Serve warm or cold: You can stir everything together and serve this as a cold crab dip, or top it with more cheese and bake for a hot crab dip!
• Make ahead: You can easily make this dip ahead of time! In fact, making it ahead of time allows all the flavors to marry and meld, so I actually recommend making it ahead! When you are ready to serve the hot crab dip, all that’s left to do is top it with cheese and bake!
• Crowd pleaser: Absolutely everyone loves this delicious crabmeat dip with cream cheese! Just prepare it and get ready to instantly impress!

What is rangoon dip?

Traditional Crab Rangoon appetizers, also known as crab puffs or crab wontons, are made of deep fried wonton wrappers stuffed with a mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, garlic, scallions and other seasoning ingredients such as Worcestershire.

Crab Rangoon dip takes all the delicious flavors and traditional ingredients found in the classic American-Chinese crab appetizer and bakes it up into a creamy, bubbly scoop-able dip! For the ultimate crab rangoon experience, make sure you serve crispy baked wonton chips alongside your dip!

Ingredients for crab rangoon dip recipes

This recipe uses easy to find ingredients along with a few pantry staples and fresh crab to create a truly delicious dip!

• Crab meat: I recommend using lump crab meat for the best taste. I prefer to purchase the containers of fresh crab meat in the refrigerated seafood section of major grocery stores; however, you can use a canned crab meat – look for it in the canned meat aisle near the tuna fish. (See below for using imitation crab.)
• Cream Cheese: Whipped cream cheese produces the most luxurious, light and airy mouthfeel. However, you can use a block of cream cheese if you prefer! Either way, make sure you soften the cream cheese to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before proceeding with the recipe!
• Dairy: The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise give the dip a creamy texture while providing a slightly tangy and rich flavor.
• Garlic: Twocloves of garlic provide the perfect touch of pungent flavor.
• Scallions: Fresh scallions add a pop of delicate onion flavor.
• Cheeses: A combination of white cheddar and parmesan cheeses add complex flavor and make this dip deliciously cheesy! White cheddar delivers a mildly mild flavor and smooth texture, while parmesan adds a subtly sharp flavor! Make sure you are buying your cheeses and shredding or grating them yourself for the best taste and texture! While the bags of shredded cheese may be convenient, they contain additives that prevent it from properly and smoothly melting!(See below for substitution ideas!)
• Worcestershire:Worcestershire sauce is the secret ingredient that adds a faint, yet powerful umami flavor that can’t be beat!
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance the dip by adding a touch of saltiness along with a moderate touch of sweet umami flavor.

Substitutions

• Greek yogurt: For a healthy swap, try substituting full-fat Greek yogurt for the sour cream!
• Mayonnaise: Try using avocado oil mayonnaise for a healthier dip!
• Cheese: Prefer to use different cheeses? Try substituting the white cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, gouda, mozzarella or Swiss! And, try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of parmesan!
• Scallions: Try swapping out the scallions for shallots a delicate garlicky-onion flavor!

Recipe Variations

While entirely optional, I recommend adding some or all of the following ingredients for the most flavorful rangoon dip.

• Mirin: Mirin adds a touch of sweet flavor that beautifully contrasts and balances the saltier flavors in the dip. You can find mirin in the international aisle of most major grocery stores. If you can’t get your hands on mirin, try substituting a sweet sake for a similar flavor!
• Sriracha: A touch of sriracha delivers a complex hot, tangy and slightly sweet flavor. I like to add 1 teaspoon for a touch of mild heat; however, you can use more or less depending upon your specific taste!
• Water Chestnuts: I never leave water chestnuts out of this dip, because they add a beautiful crunchy texture as well as a mild sweet-tartflavor!
• Old Bay: Looking to add a bit of herbaceous, smokey flavor to your crabmeat dip? Try adding in a few dashes of old bay.

How do you make crab wonton dip?

This dip couldn’t be any easier to prepare! Simply toss everything into a mixing bowl, stir it together and bake!

1. Mix the crab dip: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, mirin, Worcestershire, soy sauce, sriracha. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. The the cheeses, water chestnuts and crab meat: Add in both cheeses along with the water chestnuts. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and the scallions. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper and sriracha if desired. Optional: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Add dip to baking dish: Transfer the crab mixture to the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread out the mixture into an even layer. Sprinkle the top evenly with more cheddar cheese.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and warm throughout.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle with sweet and sour sauce. Serve immediately with wonton chips. Enjoy!

Step-by-step photos: Making this recipe for crab rangoon dip

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Can I use imitation crab to make this dip?

Fresh lump crab meat or high-quality canned crab meat will produce the best tasting dip! However, you can use imitation crab meat if you are looking to save money. Please note, you will be sacrificing flavor and texture if you use imitation or artificial crab. To use imitation crab meat, chop the sticks of “crab” into large, bite-sized chunks before proceeding with the recipe.

Serving crab rangoon recipe dip

Looking for exciting ways to serve your cheese seafood dip? Below are a few delicious ways to serve and enjoy this recipe!

How to serve this keto crab rangoon

You can serve this crab dip cold or warm and bubbly straight from the oven! Feeding a crowd? Mix the dip together and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, transfer half the dip to a serving bowl and the other half to a baking dish and bake until bubbly! Now you have one dip that pulls double duty!

• To prepare cold crab dip – To prepare cold crab dip, mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and allow the dip to chill for at least two hours before serving.
• For hot crab dip – To prepare hot crab dip, mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl and transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake in the oven until warm and bubbly.

What to serve with crab and cream cheese dip?

While I paired this dip with crisp wonton chips, you can serve it with any variety of chips or fresh vegetables you desire! Or, spread it on a toasted bagel for a quick and easy snack, or just eat it plain with straight from the bowl with a spoon!

• Chips: Salty chips are a no brainer for this dip! (See below for varieties of chips to use!)
• Fresh vegetables: Your favorite fresh vegetables, such as celery, cucumbers, radishes, cauliflower, sweet mini peppers and snow peas are a wonderful way to add beautiful color!
• Crackers: An assortment of crackers are always a crowd pleasing pairing option for this crab spread!
• Bread: Crusty bread is an obvious vessel option for picking up all this fresh crab goodness! Baguettes, crostini, breadsticks, bagels and a sourdough loaf are my personal favorites!
• Bread Bowl: If you are serving this crab dip cold, I highly recommend using a bread bowl! Not only does a bread bowl make a great presentation, it’s also fun to watch everyone tear into the dip soaked bread!

What chips go with this crab dip with cream cheese?

You can serve this crab dip with your favorite variety and flavor of chips. However, if you are looking to recreate that authentic crab rangoon experience, thin and crispy wonton chips are your best option.

If you’re entertaining a crowd and looking for additional dip recipes, try these reader favorites: Easy Smoked Salmon Dip,Fajita Hummus Dip,Carrot Dip, andFried Pickles Dip.

Chips to serve with crab dip

• Wonton Chips: Delicate, thin and crispy wonton chips are the perfect pairing for this crab dip if you are looking for that quintessential crab rangoon taste! I’ve included instructions for homemade (baked) wonton chips in the notes section of the recipe below!
• Tortilla Chips: The slight saltiness and corn flavor of tortilla chips are a great option! Plus, since they are ultra-crunchy they make great vessels for dipping!
• Potato Chips: You can use any variety of your favorite chip for dipping! However, the sturdy texture of kettle potato chips or ridged potato chips work best with dip!
• Pita Chips: While not a traditional option, pita chips are a great, slightly healthier option, especially if you use baked pita chips!
• Bagel Chips: Savory, crunchy bagel chips are delicious with crab dip! I like using garlic or everything but the bagel flavored bagel chips with this dip!

What to eat with rangoon filling?

This crab dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of appetizers or entrees! To keep things authentic, try complementing this dip with Asian recipes!

12 Asian-inspired bites to serve with this dip

• Fruit: Sweet fresh fruit contrasts the rich cheese in this dip beautifully! To keep things Asian-style, try papaya, pineapple, mango, passionfruit or oranges!
• Edamame: Sweet, buttery edamame are a simple, yet delicious pairing option!
• Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, tender Asian Brussels Sprouts could possibly be the most perfect little bites ever!
• Cucumber Salad: Add a bit of vinegar tang by pairing this dip with a fresh cucumber salad!
• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad plays up the rich flavors found in this dip!
• Lettuce Wraps: Looking for a healthy pairing option? Lettuce wraps are a flavorful, yet lighter choice!
• Egg Rolls: Salty, crispy egg rolls and cheesy crab dip are a beautiful pairing!
• Spring Rolls: Vibrant fresh rolls, or Spring Rolls are another great option if you are looking for a lighter bite!
• Dumplings: Tender, soft dumplings, such as Shu Mai, are my personal favorite!
• Spicy Tuna: Spicy tuna brings a heat and freshness that perfectly balances this heavier dip!
• Chicken Wings: Tender Asian Chicken Wing are always a winner in this house!
• Chicken Satay: Chicken skewers with creamy peanut sauce are the perfect bite or light entree if you are looking for a punch of protein!

Storing and freezing seafood rangoon dip

Food safety is a important when it comes to storing homemade dips! Be sure to follow the simple tips below for properly storing this creamy dip with crab!

How long can cream cheese dip with crab sit out?

Crab dip should not remain at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can I make this crab meat dip ahead of time?

You can absolutely make crab dip in advance! In fact, I recommend making this dip ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to marry and meld! This crab rangoon dip tastes best if it’s made at least 2 hours in advance; however, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead of time!

To prepare in advance:

• Mix together: Follow the recipe instructions, mixing together the dip accordingly.
• Do not bake: After mixing, do not bake the dip!
• Cover and refrigerate: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
• Remove chill: About 30 minutes before you are ready to use the dip, remove it from the refrigerator.
• Serve or bake: Either serve the dip cold or transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake according to the recipe directions.

How long will leftovers last?

If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, store your homemade crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored the dip will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating crab and cream cheese dip recipes

You can reheat this creamy dip one of two different ways depending upon your preference!

• Oven: Remove the dip from the refrigerator to remove chill while the oven preheats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the dip is in a storage container, transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish. Reheat for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and hot throughout.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions of the dip to a microwave-safe container or bowl. Place a microwave-safe lid on top of the container, leaving the lid slightly cracked at the side (to prevent splatter and form a vent). Microwave for 45 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until warm throughout.

Can you freeze rangoon dip?

Technically, you can freeze this restaurant- style crab dip recipe; however, I do not recommend it. This dip contains dairy products, such as cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream, which do not stand up great to freezing. While it will be safe to eat, the texture of the dip will become grainy and watery upon thawing.

Nutritional information

How many calories in this dip?

The exact number of calories and carbohydrates in hot crab dip will depend upon the precise measurements and brands of ingredients you use. This recipe for baked crab dip rangoon serves 8 and has approximately 213 calories and 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Is this low-carb and keto-friendly?

This crab dip is both low carb and keto-friendly. To keep the dip keto-friendly or low carb, make sure you serve the dip with fresh vegetables such as celery, carrots, radishes or cauliflower, instead of chips or bread.

Gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free!

To make gluten-free crab dip, substitute the soy sauce for tamari. Also, make sure you are reading product labels to ensure the brands you are purchasing are in fact certified gluten-free, this is especially imperative for the mirin!

Most wonton wrappers are not gluten-free. To keep this dip gluten-free either serve it with fresh vegetables or purchase gluten-free wonton wrappers.

Whether you bake this crab appetizer or eat it cold, I can guarantee you and your family will love it! Until next week, friends, cheers – reinventing family favorites!

Cheyanne

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The best Crab Rangoon Dip Recipe👇

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