Molded Crab Dip
📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Sarah Hensley | 📂 Category: Appetizers A classic retro-style party appetizer, this molded crab dip is a savory blend of crab, cream cheese, and crisp vegetables, set with gelatin into a beautiful shape. Perfect for serving with crackers at any gathering.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 5 mins | 4 hours (Chilling) | 16–20 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large bowl
- Hand mixer
- Small bowl
- Small saucepan
- 4- to 5-cup mold
- Serving platter
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (6 oz) cans | Crab Meat | drained and flaked (or Tuna/Shrimp) |
| 1 (8 oz) package | Cream Cheese | softened |
| 1 cup | Mayonnaise | |
| 1 (10.5 oz) can | Cream of Mushroom Soup | |
| 2 packages | Plain Gelatin | unflavored |
| 1/4 cup | Cold Water | |
| 1 cup | Celery | finely chopped |
| 1/2 cup | Green Onions | finely chopped |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a large bowl, beat the 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 (6 oz) cans crab meat, 1 cup celery, and 1/2 cup green onions. Mix until well combined and evenly distributed.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the 2 packages gelatin over the 1/4 cup cold water. Let it stand for 1-2 minutes to soften or ‘bloom’.
- In a small saucepan, heat the 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Add the softened gelatin mixture to the warm cream of mushroom soup. Stir constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Combine and Mold
- Remove the soup mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the soup mixture into the large bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Lightly coat a 4- to 5-cup mold with non-stick cooking spray, then pour the final mixture into the prepared mold.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the dip is completely firm and holds its shape when touched.
- To serve, briefly dip the bottom of the mold in warm water, then invert it onto a serving platter. Serve chilled with Ritz Crackers or Wheat Thins.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated in its mold. Once unmolded, serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to present.
Original Recipe Scan
