Indulge your senses with this spectacular Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip made with real cheese, crabmeat and Pico de Gallo for that bursting at the seams flavor intensity.

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This dip is a sight to behold.

It’s colorful in itself, with all of the queso ingredients plus tender chunks of sweet crab meat.

Then add to that a savory tomato, onion and cilantro salsa over top to make it even more enticing.

And, if that wasn’t enough flavor and stunning color, the tasty tricolor tortilla chips really put this over the top!

If a show stopping appetizer is what you’re after, then look no further. This crab queso dip is sure to be a hit at your next get together.

It’s perfect for Game Day and holidays such as Cinco de Mayo and more.

And while we’re on the topic of crabmeat and cheese, you’ll love this easy recipe for homemade Red Lobster crabby cheese fries as another stunning appetizer!

We also love this milder but still excellent Red Lobster style parmesan crab dip.

If you love Red Lobster be sure to check out these easy Copycat Recipes!

Content in this Post

Ingredients in Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip
Why You'll Love This Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip
Equipment Needed
How To Make Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip
STEP 1 – Make The Queso
STEP 2 – Top With Crab and More Cheese
STEP 3 – Bake the Crab Queso Dip
STEP 4 – Top With Pico de Gallo and Crabmeat
What To Serve With Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip
More Red Lobster Copycat Dishes
Best Uses for Leftover Crab Queso Dip
How To Store Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip
More Easy Dips
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll Also Love

Ingredients in Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip

The ingredients shown and listed below serve as a general representation of the recipe. For a complete list of ingredients, measurements and helpful tips, please refer to our recipe card. Jump to Recipe

red lobster crab queso dip copycat ingredients mise en place

Crab — crabmeat, canned or lump crabmeat, use the best quality you can find for best results.
Cheese — shredded cheddar (mild, medium, sharp, smoked, or American) or marbled cheddar cheese will work well in this. You can also use other types or a combination of cheddar and different cheeses like Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. We shredded our cheese from a block of marbled cheddar cheese.
Butter — you can use salted or unsalted, whichever you prefer.
Green Onions — Thinly sliced green onions add flavor to this dish.
Tomatoes — alternatively, sub Rotel tomatoes with chiles for this and the green chiles.
Green chiles — canned, can sub jalapenos. Can omit if using Rotel tomatoes with chiles as suggested above.
Cumin — ground cumin powder adds a savory element to this dish.
Old Bay Seasoning — you can sub onion powder
Flour — all purpose flour, to thicken the crab queso dip.
Evaporated Milk — use canned, full fat evaporated milk, not low cal or light.
Cilantro — fresh chopped cilantro is a welcome flavor boost.
Pico de Gallo — use homemade or store bought Pico de Gallo for convenience.
Tortilla Chips — regular tortilla chips or a colorful variety pack with blue corn, red corn and white corn tortilla chips. We love tricolor Que Pasa Organic Carnival Tortilla chips. Lime flavored tortilla chips are also delicious.
Optional Dippers — such as crackers or prepared vegetables to go with the crab queso dip in addition to the tortilla chips.

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Name: Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Butter; ⅓ Cup Green Onion (sliced); 2 Cloves Garlic (minced); 1 Tomato (chopped); ½ Cup Green Chiles (canned); ½ Teaspoon Cumin; ½ Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (sub onion powder); ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper; 1 Tablespoon Flour (all purpose); 1½ Cups Evaporated Milk; 5 Cups Cheese (shredded, divided, reserve ¼ for topping); ¼ Pound Crab Meat (canned, reserve half for topping); ¼ Cup Cilantro (fresh, finely chopped); ½ Cup Pico de Gallo (prepared or homemade, see below); ½ Pound Tortilla Chips; 1 Tomato (diced); 1 Tablespoon Red Onion (diced); 1 Tablespoon Green Onion (sliced); 1 Tablespoon Cilantro (chopped); 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, or fresh lime juice)

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Why You’ll Love This Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip

This queso dip is made with real cheese and not Velveeta or other similar cheese products that are typical of many queso recipes.

Plus, our crab queso dip recipe produces a larger amount than the restaurant so you’ll have more servings!

It’s quick and easy to make, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is.

It’s full of flavor and is the perfect addition to friend and family gatherings.

Not to mention, the crab queso dip presentation is visually stunning and will impress your guests.

Equipment Needed

Cheese Grater

Casserole Dish

Sauce Pan

How To Make Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip

The steps listed below serve as a general guide on how to make the recipe. For a complete list of step-by-step instructions with cook times and temperatures, please refer to our recipe card. Jump to Recipe

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STEP 1 – Make The Queso

Begin by melting the butter in a medium sized sauce pan on medium-low heat. Then add the green onions and fry them until they are soft (about 5 minutes)

Then add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, green chiles, and dry spices. Let sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.

Next, in a small mixing bowl. mix the flour and evaporated milk by whisking it until the flour is completely dissolved. Then pour in the evaporated milk and flour mixture into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.

When the milk is boiling, add 3/4 of the shredded cheese (reserve the rest for topping) and mix well. Let the cheese completely melt while stirring. Remove from heat as soon as the cheese has melted. Then add in the cilantro and half of the crab meat (reserve the rest for topping). Mix well.

STEP 2 – Top With Crab and More Cheese

Pour the crab queso mixture into an oven safe casserole dish. Top with the remaining crab meet and shredded cheese.

STEP 3 – Bake the Crab Queso Dip

Bake the queso dip in the oven for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

STEP 4 – Top With Pico de Gallo and Crabmeat

When the dip is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Top the Crab Queso Dip with Pico de Gallo and the remaining crab meat. Serve while warm with your favorite tortilla chips.

What To Serve With Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip

Red Lobster Crab Queso is the perfect appetizer for game night or any special gathering.

It’s a good idea to set up a serving tray with some easy dippers for dips! Some tri-color tortilla chips, pan-fried pita chips, and prepared veggies are great choices.

You can serve it along with several additional appetizers at once or it can function as a stand alone appetizer. Pair it with tasty appetizers and finger foods featured in what to serve with dip and snacks to make in 5 minutes.

It’s an amazing beginning to a homemade seafood dinner menu. We love it with several tried and true menus that we prepare often at home.

Want something sweet as well?

You’ve got to try our Red Lobster inspired Brownie Overboard Ice Cream Cake based on the popular dessert.

Some of our favorite seafood dinner combinations to serve after crab queso dip appetizer are shown below.

Red Lobster Inspired Menu #1:

Salmon New Orleans with Cajun Shrimp
Lobster Mashed Potatoes (with Cajun Butter Sauce)
Red Lobster Garlic Green Beans

Red Lobster Inspired Menu #2

red lobster style dinner menu 2 presentation

Red Lobster Inspired Menu #3

Red Lobster maple glazed salmon top down

More Red Lobster Copycat Dishes

Red Lobster Style Appetizers:

Red Lobster Main Course:

Red Lobster Side Dishes:

Best Uses for Leftover Crab Queso Dip

We’d be surprised if you have leftover crab queso. But if you do, you can enjoy it a number of different ways.

You can drizzle it over fries for a spiced up version of crabby cheese fries, or over a chili cheese fries or a Tex Mex style cheese fries appetizer.

Prefer nachos? Pour some crab queso dip over tortilla chips with toppings like grilled shrimp, sour cream, tomatoes, guacamole and Pico de Gallo for an amazing seafood nachos.

Leftover crab queso is perfect alongside any Tex Mex style dinner. You can top enchiladas, tacos, burritos and more. Drizzle it on top of the entrees or keep it on the side as a dip sauce.

You can use crab queso to top appetizers and vegetable side dishes, just as you would any melted cheese sauce.

Enjoy it atop of steamed broccoli and cauliflower, or a baked potato!

Or even better yet, combine them for a broccoli and cheese stuffed baked potato.

Check out our posts about what to do with leftover crab dip and canned crab for more ideas!

How To Store Red Lobster Crab Queso Dip

You can store crab queso dip in the fridge for up to four days. This dip is quick to assemble so we usually make it on the same day it will be served.

But, you can conveniently prepare this the night before. Keep the Pico de Gallo in a separate dish in fridge, as well as the reserved crabmeat and use as toppings right before you serve.

Then, the next day, all you’ll need to do is heat the queso for fifteen minutes or so in the oven, safely remove and then add the reserved crab, tomato, onion and cilantro topping.

To reheat, transfer crab queso dip to an oven safe baking dish if it is not already in one. Tip: we like to use an oven safe baking dish that also functions as a serving dish.

More Easy Dips

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crab meat should I use in crab queso?

Ideally, you want to use the best quality crab meat, such as lump crab meat. However, you can use claw meat and even well-drained canned crab meat, depending on availability and cost. The dip will still turn out great as the crab meat is blended into the dip.

Can I use imitation crab in crab queso?

Yes, you can use imitation crab in crab queso. However, the texture may differ, and the flavor will have a milder crab taste. It’s a budget-friendly option compared to real crab.

Do I have to use cream cheese in crab queso?

No, you do not need to use cream cheese in crab queso. A combination of flour, evaporated milk, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy dip, without the use of cream cheese, sour cream or mayo.

Can I use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay in crab queso?

Yes, you can certainly use Cajun seasoning in crab queso instead of Old Bay. Cajun is an excellent spice if you have a higher spice tolerance, and it pairs well with seafood and cheese dips.

Can I make a crab queso ahead of time?

Yes. Crab queso can easily be made ahead, even the day before. Either mix all the ingredients and refrigerate before baking (you may need to add a few minutes to the oven time due to the chilled baking dish) or bake the dish according to the instructions and reheat it in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.

Can I make crab queso in a slow-cooker?

Yes. You can definitely make a crab queso using a slow-cooker. Make the cheese sauce in a pan on the stovetop, then pour all ingredients into the slow-cooker. Heat on high temperature for 30 minutes.

What do I serve with crab queso?

You can serve crab queso with nacho chips, pita wedges, Triscuits or Ritz crackers, sliced baguette, or veggies, such as carrot or celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

Can I save and refrigerate crab queso?

Yes. If you have any leftover crab queso dip, just cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, saucepan, slow-cooker, or microwave.

You’ll Also Love

Speaking of super delicious Red Lobster inspired dips, this Lobster Artichoke Dip is another keeper! With delectable bites of lobster meat tucked under savory artichokes, this dip is sure to please.