Grilled corn and crab dip is a creamy, seasoned snack that will be your next crowd-pleaser. Bursting with sweet and smokey corn and crab, it’s the perfect way to use one of my favorite summer veggies.
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Forget chips and salsa! Your next BBQ snack, pool party pleaser or summer gathering treat should be a creamy, smokey dip with crunchy bread or pita chips. You heard me right, this will become your outdoor dinner showstopper the second it hits the table.
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I get it, I know the drill. You’re planning a backyard party or cookout and you automatically put guacamole, chips and salsa, and veggies and ranch on the list for the same old snacks. I’m ready to use one of this season’s favorite veggies, shake things up and try another yummy dip recipe for summer.
Corn is one of those veggies that still has a pretty definite season. Sure, I can find some southern hemisphere ears at the store in December. But I’m not sure what to do with it! Summer is the time to take advantage and make recipes that use corn. I love the sweet contrast to the spicy sausage in my Corn and Chorizo Tacos. And I add it to a tangy caper salsa for my fish.
Grilled corn dip with sweet crab gives the same old guacamole a run for it’s money! You’ll have guests clamoring for more!
How to grill corn:
There are so many ways to cook a cob of corn. I found with this recipe that the flavor is best when the corn has the smokey goodness from the grill. To get the beautiful charring and smokiness on each kernel, lay the cob on the grill grates up and down rather than across. Not only will this grill better, but it makes it easier to turn!
Okay, lets talk crab. Imitation crab meat can be an enticing option if you are trying to save money, however many of these imitation meats are so highly processed that you end up sacrificing both nutrition and flavor. Don’t stress about breaking the bank for this tasty recipe. You only need 6 ounces of real crab and many larger grocery stores even have multiple options for real crab meat. Whether you get it frozen, fresh or canned, making the little extra splurge for real crab meat will make all the difference.
Of all the yummy dip recipes for summer, this one will be a new favorite. Use fresh corn on the cob for summer taste!
One of the ingredients that makes this dip sing is Old Bay seasoning. It’s a spice blend that comes from Maryland. It was created back in 1939 when crabs were plentiful and many people were creating new ways to season them. Old Bay has recently been used in a wide variety of recipes and even as a topping for popcorn. This coastal-inspired spice goes well with seafood which makes it the perfect fit for this homemade crab dip.
Old Bay is said to be a mix of 18 different spices and herbs but only celery salt, red pepper, black pepper and paprika are actually listed. Whatever those secret ingredients may be, it surely makes this dip delicious!
Grilled corn and crab dip is a creamy, seasoned snack that will be your next crowd-pleaser. Bursting with sweet and smokey corn and crab, it's the perfect way to use one of my favorite summer veggies.
- 3 ears fresh corn, shucked
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped scallion
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 can (6oz) drained crab meat
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Grill three ears shucked fresh corn over high heat, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides, 10 to 15 min. Cut kernels from cobs.
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In a medium bowl combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped scallion, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning and the grilled corn. Add drained crab meat and gently combine.
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Spread mixture in a 1½-qt baking dish and bake at 350°F until heated through, 45 min. Serve with pita chips.
To get the beautiful charring and smokiness on each kernel, lay the cob on the grill grates up and down rather than across. Not only will this grill better, but it makes it easier to turn!
What to serve after you devour this dip:
3-Ingredient Classic Ribs
Dang Delicious Brisket Sandwiches
Authentic Carne Asada
Pin This Recipe:
Recipe Tara & Hilary Merzbacher. Photography Peter Ardito. Food Stylist Allison Attenborough. Prop Stylist Courtney DeWet. Originally published LHJ Aug ’12.
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
June 28, 2018 at 3:29 pmI love corn AND crab, and this dip looks fantastic! What a great party dish!
Heather says
June 28, 2018 at 7:36 pmNever seen this combination but it looks delicious! Nice to have something different to offer guests; thanks!
Pilar says
June 29, 2018 at 6:12 amI loved it! this dip looks so deli, I definitely have to try it soon, it’s a great idea for 4th of July!
Kristin says
June 29, 2018 at 10:15 amThis looks really good and tasty. I love summer corn and crab so this would be great at a BBQ! Going to pin this one!
Tara says
July 5, 2018 at 6:38 pmFantastic! Thanks
Rachel says
June 29, 2018 at 5:10 pmI just want to say that this looks AWESOME! I often make a creamy crab of artichoke dip, but never thought of using corn instead of artichokes. The corn is perfect for summer time. This looks so good!
Tara says
July 5, 2018 at 6:38 pmIt’s such a great way to use up summer corn!
Leah says
June 29, 2018 at 8:35 pmOh me oh my I can not wait to try this!!! Thanks for the tip about the corn I will make sure to char it. And Yes Old Bay really tell us what these wonderful flavors are!!!
Shanna Jones says
June 30, 2018 at 12:14 pmThe fact that you grilled the corn took this recipe to a whole other level! Sweet crab + grilled corn = yes and yes! I’m am trying this one ASAP.
Karyl Henry says
June 30, 2018 at 8:29 pmWow, what an interesting combination! Whenever I go to a crab feast we always have corn on the cob on the side, but I’ve never thought to combine corn and crab into a dip. I love this idea! Oh, and I’m from Maryland, so Old Bay is my spirit animal 🙂
lauren says
June 30, 2018 at 10:43 pmoh yum! Love when there are interesting snacks at the bbq! The combo of sweet corn and crab is definitely a winner.
Marisa Franca says
July 1, 2018 at 5:23 amIt’s breakfast time as I’m reading this and my mouth is watering for this dip. I agree — grilling the corn gives it such a great flavor. And we love crab — a great dip any time of year but with the corn especially in the summer.
Elcitrakale says
July 1, 2018 at 5:42 pmİ love you use crab meat for this… nothing more than delicious!
Kitty says
July 1, 2018 at 8:24 pmTotally agree that corn has a season! It’s not the same frozen. Loving this flavor combo. It’s like all the best parts of summer in one recipe!!!!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
July 1, 2018 at 8:24 pmI have never tried this combo in a dip but it looks so good!! And just in time for 4th of July! Can’t wait to try this!
Julie says
July 1, 2018 at 9:02 pmCorn is so delicious this time of year, I can’t stop using it in everything. A dip paired with crab sounds amazing for all our summer BBQs and gatherings!
Tara says
July 5, 2018 at 6:38 pmAgreed! Yay!
Sri Mallya says
July 1, 2018 at 10:30 pmThis dip sounds so interesting. I just can’t wait to give this a try. Just love it. Pinned!
Heather says
July 2, 2018 at 7:27 amThis makes me happy happy happy! Perfect for barbecues and summer parties, this is a great flavor combination and your pictures are beautiful. Super easy and super tasty
Tara says
July 5, 2018 at 6:39 pmOh thank you!!
Mary Bench says
July 16, 2018 at 3:19 pmLooks delicious!!!!