Crab dip is a popular appetizer that can be served at parties and get-togethers. It is a creamy, cheesy dip that is full of crab meat flavor. Crab dip goes well with many different foods that can be used as dippers or accompaniments. When planning a menu that includes crab dip, it’s important to choose items that complement the rich, seafood flavors. Here are some recommendations for what is best to serve with crab dip.
Bread and Crackers
A basic starch is essential for scooping and eating crab dip. Bread and crackers are classics. Sliced baguette, sourdough bread, naan, and pita chips are excellent for dipping into the creamy crab mixture. Sturdy crackers like whole wheat crackers or oyster crackers are also good options.
When choosing bread or crackers, opt for plain or simple flavors that won’t compete too much with the crab. Avoid strongly flavored crackers like rosemary or garlic. Also, the texture should be able to withstand scooping without crumbling. Crispy, crunchy textures provide a nice contrast to the soft, creamy dip.
Vegetables
Fresh, crunchy vegetables are a healthy and tasty choice to serve alongside crab dip. Green vegetables like celery and cucumber slices add color and crunch. Other options are carrots, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas. Cherry tomatoes and bell pepper slices can add pops of color as well.
Dippers like carrots and celery tend to be sturdy enough to scoop up the dip without breaking. The vegetables should be sliced into sticks or pieces that are easy to pick up. Make sure to wash and pat the vegetables dry so they don’t get too soggy in the crab mixture.
Seafood
In addition to vegetables, consider pairing crab dip with other seafood. Shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon, and white fish go well with the creamy crab flavors. Prepare them plain, grilled, or fried.
Serve peeled, chilled shrimp around the crab dip so guests can easily dip them in. Grilled scallops or shrimp skewers also complement the dip’s richness. Smoked salmon, fish cakes, and fried fish like haddock or cod make the meal feel more cohesive.
Meat
Hearty meats are another filling option to serve with crab dip. Slices of beef tenderloin, grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, smoked sausage, and meatballs can all be skewered or arranged around the crab dip.
The flavors of beef, pork, and chicken work well with the seafood theme. Grilling or smoking the meats adds extra depth of flavor. Cut the meats into bite-sized pieces so they are easy to pick up and dip with.
Breads and Pastries
In addition to crackers, breads and pastries like crostini, bruschetta, and phyllo cups make excellent dippers and vehicles for crab dip. Toast or bake baguette slices into crostini, top with crab dip, and sprinkle with Extra add-ins like roasted red peppers, parsley, or lemon zest can add more flavor.
Bruschetta topped with tomato, basil, and crab dip is another winning combination. Phyllo dough baked into little cups provides a crunchy, convenient way to eat the dip.
These breads and pastries allow for adding other flavors and textures to highlight the crab. As long as the foundations are crisp and stable enough, the possibilities for unique dipping pairings are endless.
Cheeses
Since crab dip is a cheesy concoction, more cheese is always welcome. Pairing crab dip with an assortment of cheeses could create an appetizer spread.
Soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, burrata, or fresh mozzarella pair nicely with the creamy crab dip. Firm cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, or gruyere make for good dippers as well. Cheese cubes or a cheese platter surrounding the crab dip creates a visually appealing centerpiece.
The salty, nutty flavors of different cheeses complement and enhance the rich crab. Offer two or three types of cheese so guests have options for sampling and discovering new pairings.
Fruits and Chutneys
For a unique twist, try pairing crab dip with fresh fruits like apple and pear slices, grapes, dried fruits, and chutneys. The sweet and acidic flavors provide contrast to the savory seafood dip.
Fruits high in water content like grapes, pineapple, mango, or melon can help cleanse the palate between bites of dip. Dried fruits like apricots and cranberries mixed into the dip add sweetness and chew.
Chutneys made with fruit and spices are also an inspired match. Papaya chutney, mango chutney, or cranberry chutney served on the side can enhance the crab dip experience.
Beverage Pairings
Having drinks that complement the crab dip is the final touch. Sparkling wines, light beers, and tropical cocktails all make sense.
Refreshing sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, and Champagne cut through the dip’s richness. IPAs, lagers, blonde beers, and ciders have enough bubbles and acidity as well.
Fruity cocktails with rum, vodka, or gin make beverage options a little more fun. A sangria or tropical punch with fruit juices would also match the flavors.
Provide plenty of napkins and glasses of water too. Crab dip tends to be rich, so guests will appreciate being able to cleanse their palates.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas for delicious crab dip to try serving:
Classic Hot Crab Dip
This hot crab dip is a crowd-pleasing classic. Baked with cream cheese, crab, spices, and topped with cheddar, it’s creamy, cheesy, and full of seafood flavor.
Crab Artichoke Dip
Hearts of artichoke blended into hot crab dip add texture and flavor. This tangy, creamy dip is always a hit.
Buffalo Chicken Crab Dip
For a zesty twist, combine crab with buffalo chicken, ranch, and blue cheese. It’s ideal for fans of bold, spicy flavors.
Crab Guacamole
Mixing crab with smooth guacamole makes for a fresh, colorful dip perfect for chips and veggies.
Baked Crab Rangoon Dip
All the flavors of crab rangoon combined into a warm baked dip. Cream cheese, crab, scallions, and spices make this extra indulgent.
Presentation Ideas
Here are some tips for visually appealing ways to serve crab dip:
- Serve in a bread bowl, hollowed out sourdough loaf, or edible crab shell bowl
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives
- Surround with lemon and lime wedges
- Include dipping vegetables and fruits in the display
- Grate Parmesan, Asiago, or lemon zest on top
- Drizzle with olive oil or hot sauce for extra flavor
- Keep warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish
- Provide individual small bowls for each guest
Full Menu Ideas
Here are some full menu ideas for parties with crab dip:
Seafood Boil Party
- Crab, Shrimp, and Artichoke Dip
- Smoked Salmon Platter with Crostini
- Seared Scallops
- Boiled Potatoes
- Corn on the Cob
- Melon and Berry Salad
- Key Lime Pie
- Beer, Rosé Wine, and Hurricane Cocktails
Game Day Appetizer Spread
- Sriracha Crab Dip
- Chicken Satay Skewers
- Quesadillas
- BBQ Meatballs
- Chips and Salsa
- Veggie Crudités
- Beer and Margaritas
Tapas Party
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- Garlic Shrimp
- Cheese Platter
- Tomato Bruschetta
- Chorizo Empanadas
- Crab Artichoke Dip
- Sangria and Sparkling Wine
Get creative with the possiblities! Crab dip is very versatile to build snacks and appetizers around.
Conclusion
Crab dip makes for a stellar appetizer that pairs well with many different foods and drinks. Breads, crackers, vegetables, seafood, cheeses, and meats all complement the zesty creaminess of hot crab dip. Present it attractively with garnishes in a bread bowl or hollowed food vessel. Accompany crab dip with beers, wines, or fun cocktails for full appetizer spread. With so many excellent options, it’s easy and delicious to find perfect matches for serving alongside crab dip!