Have you ever made a recipe that’s so sublimely simple, you think you’ll never need to write it down? And then you go to make it again but it doesn’t turn out quite the same, so you kick yourself (hopefully just figuratively) for not saving it the first time?
I hate when I do that. Which is why I’m writing this recipe for super easy gluten free crab (or vegan crab) dip and sharing it with you.
My gluten free crab dip is one of those keeper recipes that takes only minutes to make and everyone loves.
You can serve it cold or hot, which literally means you can whip it up and head out the door to a party without breaking a sweat or re-applying lipstick.
It’s also delicious made dairy-free, which is the way I always make it, when you use the vegan and dairy-free brands I suggest (this is not a sponsored post, I just want you to know the gluten-free brands I use and trust).
This recipe is equally delicious made without the crab if you’d rather; just use the artichoke variation I give in the recipe. But if you do want to make it with crab, do NOT use fake crab, as it almost always contains gluten … and since I live in Maryland (crab is our official state crustacean), it’s just wrong.
So make it sometime when you need to bring a dish to share, and then decide if you want to share! I tend to hang out next to the bowl with elbows wide, but you might be more generous.
And for those who are wondering if they’re on the right gluten free recipe blog, yes, I do actually cook AND bake gluten free (I don’t live off sweets and breads alone, but sometimes I’d like to!).
I have tons of recipes on my site for dinners, lunches, appetizers and sides. Take a look! Recipes for everything from Apple Butter-Sriracha Marinade and Gluten Free Seafood Étouffée to Chilled Mexican Lentil Salad, Gluten Free Pierogi, Gluten Free Potstickers, and Veggie Burritos with Guacamole Dressing (and homemade gluten free tortillas, of course).
Just search my blog for “dinner” or “main dish” or “appetizer” or … whatever you’re looking for! With over 460 gluten-free recipes for the taking, you’re sure to find a recipe you’ll love!
One of my favorite ways to serve this gluten free vegan crab dip or regular crab dip is on my homemade gluten free baguettes — mmmmmm. There’s hardly anything better!!!!
But another delicious option is to serve it on homemade gluten free crackers! {so impressive, right?!} I’ve recently created a homemade gluten free crackers recipe that is PERFECT with this dip! Strong enough to hold up to a thick dip like this one, and easily tailorable to the herbs you like best. I urge you to try it soon!
Easy Gluten Free Crab Dip
This easy gluten free crab dip is delicious hot or cold, as a meal or an appetizer, and it's even dairy-free!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (I used vegan cream cheese - Kite Hill®), room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I used egg-free mayonnaise - Just Mayo®)
- 2 tsp. Dijon Mustard (I used Annie's Naturals®)
- 1 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 Tbs. gluten-free Tamari (like San-J®) or coconut aminos
- 1 Tbs. dried minced onion
- 1 Tbs. gluten-free nutritional yeast (optional but recommended!) - I used Bragg's®
- 1/2 - 1 Tbs. hot sauce (I used Tabasco®)
- 1/2 tsp. Old Bay® seasoning
- 1 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 8 ounces jumbo lump crabmeat, picked and drained -- the higher quality the crabmeat, the better OR jarred / canned artichokes, drained and diced
- tomatoes for garnish (optional)
- paprika for garnish
Instructions
Soften cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or leave out on the counter for 1-2 hours to soften.
Using a rubber spatula or electric mixer, stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, tamari, hot sauce, onion and spices. Once no lumps from cream cheese remain and the mixture is smooth, fold in parsley and crab.
Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika and garnish with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes, if desired. Cover and refrigerate until serving
If serving warm, preheat oven to 350° F.
If baking, transfer dip to an oven-safe serving dish, cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated all the way through.
To serve, sprinkle with paprika and garnish with fresh parsley.
Gluten-free crackers recommended and pictured: San-J® Tamari Black Sesame Crackers or Crunchmaster® Multi-Grain Crackers.*
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*some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these products, some money may come back to support this blog, allowing me to continue to bring great new gluten free recipes to you, but will not add to your purchase price. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
What is the object of the GF nutritional yeast?
Hi Gloria, it’s healthy (lots of B vitamins!) but really it’s added for flavor. If you don’t have it or don’t like it, no need to add it.
~jules
What is the purpose of the yeast?
Hi Teresa, it’s nutritional yeast, so there are lots of B vitamins inside, but in terms of this recipe, it’s there for flavoring. If you don’t have it or like it, simply leave it out. Enjoy!
~jules