Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip is a Southern classic that brings bold flavors and heartwarming comfort to any gathering. I’ve always adored this dish for its rich, creamy texture and the way it effortlessly steals the show at potlucks and family celebrations. Growing up, this dip was a staple at holiday dinners, lovingly prepared by my grandmother, whose recipe I now cherish.
A Southern food classic
Southern cooking has a magical way of connecting people and creating memories. For me, Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a symbol of family gatherings where laughter echoed through the house and food brought everyone closer.
I remember sitting on the porch with my cousins, eagerly waiting for the dip to come out of the oven. That first warm, cheesy bite always felt like home. Southern food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s about sharing traditions and building bonds that last a lifetime.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp coarse salt
- 2 tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
- 4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (yellow), grated
- 16 oz. chopped pimiento, drained
- 1 ½ cups sliced green onions (scallions), white and green parts
- 16 oz. crab meat, picked over
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
How to make Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Making Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip is as easy as combining rich, flavorful ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Start by blending the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce until smooth.
Mix this with grated cheddar, pimiento, green onions, and crab meat. Once combined, spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with seasoned bread crumbs, and bake until it’s golden and bubbly. This warm, melty dip is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in Southern comfort.
Serving suggestions
Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip is best served warm from the oven with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh-cut vegetables. Pair it with classic Southern staples like fried chicken or collard greens for a complete spread. It’s also a fantastic addition to a game day table or holiday feast, where its bold flavors complement a variety of dishes.
Storage tips
If you have leftovers (though it rarely happens!), transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to restore its creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the cheese and crab may lose their freshness.
Southern farewell
Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip holds a special place in my heart as a true taste of Southern hospitality. It’s a dish that turns any gathering into a celebration, bringing comfort and joy to everyone who tastes it. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table, filling your home with the warmth and love that Southern cooking always promises.
This recipe comes to us from Lingering Shade.
Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking/serving dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cream cheese cut into small pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp coarse salt
- 2 tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
- 4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese yellow, grated
- 16 oz. chopped pimiento drained
- 1 ½ cups sliced green onions scallions, white and green parts
- 16 oz. crab meat picked over
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse salt, and hot sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add the grated cheddar cheese, drained pimiento, sliced green onions, and crab meat. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a baking or serving dish.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with mayonnaise until it reaches a crumbly consistency.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the dip. Place the dish in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, crab-filled bite!
