15 Crab Recipes That Go Beyond Basic Cakes

Crab brings rich flavor and a touch of luxury to everything from dips to casseroles. This list covers a wide range of easy ways to cook with fresh, frozen, or imitation crab, including hot slow cooker dips, sushi bakes, and crispy appetizers. Whether you’re tossing it in the air fryer or simmering it low and slow, these recipes highlight how versatile crab really is. Serve them up for parties, weeknight dinners, or seafood-heavy spreads without overcomplicating things.

Slow Cooker Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

A white bowl of creamy soup topped with croutons and chopped herbs, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl is on a wooden table with extra croutons nearby. — Slow Cooker Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

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A rich, creamy bisque made low and slow, combining crab and lobster in a buttery, silky broth. Aromatic herbs and a hint of citrus make it feel both indulgent and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Cold Crab Dip Recipe

This cool, creamy dip blends lump crab with tangy seasonings, perfect for chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. It’s bright, refreshing, and effortless to throw together for parties or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce

A close-up of crispy egg rolls filled with a shredded mixture, garnished with chopped green onions, next to a dish of creamy dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Crab cake filling wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and air fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy fire sauce, this playful twist turns classic crab cakes into irresistible handhelds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce

Cold Crab Dip

Another take on chilled crab dip, focusing on bright flavors like lemon, dill, and crunchy add‑ins. It’s light but satisfying — a great starter or appetizer for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Slow Cooker Creole Crab Dip

This slow cooker version simmers crab in a spicy Creole‑inspired cheese sauce that stays warm and dippable. A perfect crowd‑pleaser with bold Southern seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creole Crab Dip

Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

A glass baking dish filled with sushi bake topped with crab, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled sauce; a square piece is missing from one corner. — Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

All the flavors of a baked sushi casserole with creamy crab, rice, and savory toppings. It’s like deconstructed sushi you scoop with crackers or rice for a fun, shareable dish.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

Boiling Crab Sauce Recipe

A plate of seasoned shrimp, sausage slices, and lemon wedges, served with a small dish of dipping sauce. — Boiling Crab Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A buttery, garlicky sauce inspired by the famous seafood boil seasoning, perfect for tossing with crab, shrimp, and corn. It’s bold, spicy, and great for soaking up with bread.
Get the Recipe: Boiling Crab Sauce Recipe

Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Simple, silky crab legs roasted on a sheet pan with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Juicy and easy to pull apart, they’re a no‑fuss way to enjoy crab at home without boiling.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Instant Pot Crab Boil

A bowl containing crab claws, corn on the cob, whole potatoes, and a lemon wedge, garnished with parsley. — Instant Pot Crab Boil. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Everything goes into the pot — crab, sausage, potatoes, corn, and seasoning — and cooks in minutes. It delivers that classic boil flavor with minimal cleanup and zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Crab Boil

Crab Rangoon Dip

A hand dips a toasted bread slice into a cheesy, baked dip in a cast iron skillet, garnished with chopped green onions. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

All the creamy, cheesy crab rangoons you love but in easy dip form. With crunchy toppings and rich cream cheese, it’s irresistible with chips or wonton crisps.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab Rangoon

A white plate with crispy fried wontons arranged in a circle around a small bowl of red dipping sauce. — Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Crispy fried wontons stuffed with a savory crab and cream cheese filling. Golden on the outside and creamy inside, they’re perfect for dipping or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon

Maryland Crab Dip

A deeply savory dip that celebrates classic Maryland crab seasoning with Old Bay, creamy cheese, and lump crab. It’s rich, hearty, and ideal for gathering around with friends.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Dip

Air Fryer Crab Rangoonhttps://mamasonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-1690.jpegAir Fryer Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.A lighter, crispy rendition of classic crab rangoons — air fried instead of deep fried. They stay crunchy outside with rich, creamy crab filling inside.Get the Recipe:

Best Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

A standout version of Maryland crab dip with big chunks of crab, cheesy base, and bold seasoning. It’s warm, comforting, and always a hit at parties.
Get the Recipe: Best Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Crab Melt Sandwich

Savory crab salad piled high on toasted bread with melted cheese on top. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect for lunch or casual dinners with a side salad or fries.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt Sandwich

Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Tender wraps filled with creamy crab and herbs, sliced into bite‑sized pinwheels. They’re ideal for appetizers, lunchboxes, or party platters with a tangy dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels Recipe