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.
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.
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
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread mixture in a 1½-qt baking dish and bake at 350°F until heated through, 45 min. Serve with pita chips.
Notes
Nutrition
What to serve after you devour this dip:
3-Ingredient Classic Ribs
Dang Delicious Brisket Sandwiches
Authentic Carne Asada
Appetizers, Nibble and Finger Foods
- Moroccan Lamb Meatballs With Apricot Glaze
- Baba Ganoush Recipe Loaded with Roasted Veggies
- Vegetarian Meatballs With Harissa Are The Best Meatless Meatballs
- French Onion Phyllo Cups: Tartlets with Gruyere and Pickled Pomegranates
- Tailgating Kabobs For Game Day
- Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet and Sour Mint Sauce
- 15 Mind Blowing Fruit Salsa Recipes
- Cilantro Salsa Recipe with Lime and Jalapeño
About Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.
Recipe Tara Teaspoon & Hilary Merzbacher. Photography Peter Ardito. Food Stylist Allison Attenborough. Prop Stylist Courtney DeWet. Originally published LHJ Aug '12.
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
I love corn AND crab, and this dip looks fantastic! What a great party dish!
Heather says
Never seen this combination but it looks delicious! Nice to have something different to offer guests; thanks!
Pilar says
I 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
This 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
Fantastic! Thanks
Rachel says
I 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
It's such a great way to use up summer corn!
Leah says
Oh 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
The 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
Wow, 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
oh yum! Love when there are interesting snacks at the bbq! The combo of sweet corn and crab is definitely a winner.
Marisa Franca says
It'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
Ä° love you use crab meat for this... nothing more than delicious!
Kitty says
Totally 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
I 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
Corn 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
Agreed! Yay!
Sri Mallya says
This dip sounds so interesting. I just can't wait to give this a try. Just love it. Pinned!
Heather says
This 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
Oh thank you!!
Mary Bench says
Looks delicious!!!!
Tessa says
I've been craving fresh corn all summer, and this crab dip sounds delicious!