This easy buffalo crab dip recipe is quick, affordable, and made with just 5 ingredients! It's creamy and cheesy with a little heat and is the best chip dip for sharing as an appetizer on any occasion!

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Everyone loves it when I make this dip for parties because it's a fun and pleasantly surprising twist on a buffalo chicken dip by using crab instead of chicken! My favourite part? It only 5 ingredients!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy: You'll find plenty of buffalo crab dips online, but none with only 5 ingredients!
- Affordable: This dip is made with imitation crab, so you don't have to break the bank to buy real crab.
- Accessible: Since this recipe uses imitation crab meat instead of real crab, you can guarantee you'll be able to find it at your local grocery store, unlike real crab, which can be more difficult to find!
- Unique: Your friends have probably tried buffalo chicken dip, but making it with crab will blow their minds!
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese
- Buffalo Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Imitation Crab Meat
- White Cheddar Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2 - Mix: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the buffalo sauce and ranch and mix again. Next, fold in the crab and half of the cheddar cheese.
Step 3 - Bake: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish, top it with the remaining cheese, and bake it uncovered on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes. Rest for a few minutes and serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, and/or veggies.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered in tin foil or plastic wrap (once cooled) in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat uncovered following the baking instructions or heat small portions in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate/bowl at 15-second intervals.
Helpful Tips & Advice
- To achieve a smooth texture, the cream cheese should be softened and at room temperature. Otherwise, it will be challenging to mix and have a clumpy texture.
- It's recommended to give the dip a few minutes to rest after baking to thicken it slightly.
- Bake the dip uncovered so that the cheese can bubble and harden slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, imitation crab meat is ready to eat from the package.
The dip will be a bit runny right after it bakes because it has a couple of liquid ingredients. Just wait 5-10 minutes, and it'll thicken slightly but still be dippable.
Yes, a 6 oz can of crab can substitute the imitation crab, and it should be drained before use.
Yes, you can make it up to a few days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until the day of. Bake it right before serving so it's warm and cheesy for your guests.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot buffalo crab dip with baguette slices, crackers, and or fresh vegetables!
Related Recipes
If you like imitation crab recipes, then you'll also love this spinach artichoke dip with crab, baked imitation crab dip, and creamy cold imitation crab dip too!
This rotisserie buffalo chicken dip is also delicious if you love this buffalo crab dip!
Print📖 Recipe
Easy Buffalo Crab Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This 5 ingredient baked buffalo crab dip recipe is an easy and delicious appetizer for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Buffalo Sauce: ¾ cup
- Ranch Dressing: ½ cup
- Imitation Crab Meat (chunks, flakes, or sticks): 8 oz, chopped
- White Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the buffalo sauce and ranch and mix again. Next, fold in the crab and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish, top it with the remaining cheese, and bake it uncovered on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes. Rest for a few minutes and serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, and/or veggies.
Notes
To achieve a smooth texture, the cream cheese should be softened and at room temperature. Otherwise, it will be challenging to mix and have a clumpy texture.
It's recommended to give the dip a few minutes to rest after baking to thicken it slightly.
Bake the dip uncovered so that the cheese can bubble and harden slightly.
Nutrition facts are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary. Please note that this is not medical or nutrition advice. Seek advice from a licensed professional if you need advice. We are not liable for any damages caused by your use of this content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: appetizer, dip
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: american
Andrea says
Truly one of my fave dips because it’s only 5 ingredients yet so delicious! What did you think of it?