
Crab Rangoon Dip with crispy wonton chips is always a crowd favorite at gatherings in my house Creamy and loaded with crab this dip brings all the best flavors from the classic Chinese appetizer without the fuss of folding wrappers or deep frying dozens of triangles You can mix it together in minutes and let the oven do the rest which is why I often make it for game nights and holiday parties
The first time I brought this dip to a family birthday everyone asked for the recipe My aunt even requested it the next year which for her is the ultimate compliment
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: gives the dip a silky smooth base use full fat for the richest flavor
- Mayonnaise: creates creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together Choose a high quality brand for best results
- Sour cream: adds a little tang and helps lighten up the texture
- Low sodium soy sauce: seasons every layer without making it too salty
- Garlic: fresh and minced wakes up the entire dish with fragrant sharpness
- Granulated sugar: balances the savory and rich flavors just a touch is perfect
- Imitation crab meat or real lump crab meat: adds that signature seafood bite Use fresh or canned if you prefer just make sure it is well drained
- Monterey Jack cheese: melts easily and gives the best gooey cheesy top
- Green onions: keep the flavor fresh and add a bit of crunch and color
- Vegetable oil: ensures crispy wonton chips for scooping up every bit of dip Choose a neutral oil for frying
- Wonton wrappers: crisp up beautifully in the oven or fryer so the chips are golden and sturdy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spread a little non stick spray in a casserole or oven safe baking dish With a small dish the dip gets thick and gooey in all the right places
- Make the Creamy Base:
- Beat softened cream cheese on its own until there are no lumps Whip in mayonnaise sour cream soy sauce garlic and sugar Mix until perfectly smooth You want the base to be totally creamy before mixing in the rest
- Fold in Crab and Cheese:
- With a spatula stir in the crab meat half of the shredded cheese and all of the green onions Gently fold so crab stays in nice shreds Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that golden crust
- Bake the Dip:
- Smooth the filling evenly into your prepared dish Bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly This usually takes 20 to 25 minutes For deeper color broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes Just keep a close eye to avoid burning
- Fry the Wonton Chips:
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet so chips can float Slice wonton wrappers in triangles so they cook up crispy and light Fry just a few at a time so the oil stays hot Drain each batch on a cooling rack for maximum crispness
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pile your crispy chips alongside the hot crab dip Offer buttery crackers or veggies for dipping too

I always look forward to the melted cheese on top It gets perfectly bubbly and golden I have a photo of my niece sneaking just the cheesy edges with a chip which still cracks me up
Storage Tips
Cover leftover dip tightly and store in the fridge for up to three days If the dip thickens too much when reheating just stir in a spoonful of sour cream and microwave in short bursts Homemade wonton chips stay crisp in an airtight container for a couple days but are always best fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use real lump crab meat for extra decadence Canned crab works too but always press out extra moisture Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream if you like more tang You can also use mozzarella or cheddar in place of Monterey Jack for the topping

Serving Suggestions
Crab Rangoon Dip pairs well with more than just wonton chips Try it with baguette slices celery sticks or carrot chips for extra crunch It works well served warm or at room temperature so you can set it out before guests arrive
Cultural Context
Classic Crab Rangoon is a staple appetizer at many American Chinese restaurants With this baked dip version you get those familiar flavors but in a much simpler format My family loves this recipe for backyard gatherings or movie nights because it feels special but relaxed
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation?
Yes, fresh or canned lump crab works wonderfully and gives the dip richer flavor and texture.
- → What type of cheese melts best here?
Monterey Jack is ideal for a creamy melt, but mozzarella or cheddar can be substituted if preferred.
- → Are there alternatives to frying wonton chips?
Baked wonton chips or store-bought crackers are both great options to keep things simple and light.
- → How can I make the dip ahead?
Assemble everything up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
- → Which dipping sauces complement this dish?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a simple garlic aioli make excellent pairings for extra flavor.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbling, or use the microwave for smaller portions.