This Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip is quick to assemble and delivers reliably hot, bubbly, and rich results when finished on a pellet grill. It pairs perfectly with long low-and-slow cooks like pulled pork, smoked salmon, or brisket, and it also works beautifully cooked alongside a turkey or prime rib for a memorable holiday appetizer. Elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for any weeknight gathering, this crab dip is a true crowd-pleaser.
Smoked Hot Crab Dip
I’m a big fan of dips because they’re simple to make, easy to serve, and they suit both formal and casual gatherings. Whether you like to plate individual portions or encourage communal snacking straight from the bowl, a well-made dip always hits the spot.
This crab dip is versatile. I prefer using smoked cream cheese for a deeper flavor, but plain softened cream cheese works perfectly if you’re short on time. For a tangier variation, a mild goat cheese can be substituted in a pinch. The key is fresh lump crab, a creamy base, and a gentle smoke to add that wood-fired nuance.
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Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, gather these ingredients. Quantities are listed in the detailed recipe card below.
- Mayo
- Cream cheese (or smoked cream cheese)
- Sour cream
- Minced garlic
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Old Bay or similar seafood seasoning (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- White cheddar
- Lump crab meat
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How To Make This Recipe
Below is a short overview of the process so you know what to expect. For exact measurements and full details, see the recipe card further down.
- Preheat – Bring your pellet grill to 200°F (about 95°C).
- Mix – In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and seasonings. Add lemon juice to the crab meat, then fold in the crab and shredded cheeses gently so the lump meat stays intact.
- Smoke – Spray or grease a 9×9 or 10×10 grill-safe baking dish. Spoon the dip into the dish and smooth the top. Place it in the smoker and cook for 60–90 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and fully melted.
- Serve – Offer with baguette rounds, pita chips, crackers, or tortilla chips. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh chopped chives if desired.
Find more recipes that use crab — they make excellent party starters.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Traeger Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Smoked Teriyaki Shrimp
- Smoked Sausage Burnt Ends
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
- Traeger Double-Smoked Artichoke Dip
- Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Goat Cheese
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Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
Prepare this creamy crab dip in just a few minutes, then let the pellet grill add wood-fired flavor. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream yields a silky, tangy base that complements the sweet crab meat and melted cheeses. A mild smoke elevates the dish without overwhelming the seafood.
5 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 cup softened cream cheese (smoked cream cheese preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay or similar seafood seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar
- 3 cups lump crab meat
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 200°F (95°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayo, softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, optional seafood seasoning, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheeses and lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the crab pieces too much. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 or 10×10 grill-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
- Smoke the dip at 200°F for 60–90 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbling and the cheeses are fully melted. Check at the 60-minute mark if you prefer a shorter cook time.
- Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes. Serve warm with baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or tortilla chips. Garnish with a dusting of paprika, chopped fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon if you like.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving (estimate):
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 84mg
- Sodium: 505mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 13g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
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