Smoked Crab Rangoon Dip on the Traeger Grill

A Wood-Fired Twist on a Takeout Classic

Rangoon Dip does exactly that. Inspired by one of our go-to appetizers when dining out, this creamy, cheesy dip brings bold flavor and backyard BBQ vibes to your appetizer spread.

🦀 A Smoky Spin on Our Favorite Asian Appetizer

If you’re anything like us, Crab Rangoon is one of those must-order items every time you grab takeout from your favorite Asian spot. There’s just something irresistible about that creamy, savory filling wrapped in a crispy wonton—golden, hot, and utterly satisfying.

But instead of pulling out the deep fryer, we decided to fire up the Traeger and take this crowd-pleasing classic to the next level. Say hello to Smoked Crab Rangoon Dip—a bold, creamy, wood-fired version that brings all the flavors of the original, minus the frying, and with a bonus smoky flavor that only the Traeger pellet grill can deliver.

Not only did we smoke the cream cheese to layer in flavor from the start, but we also served it bubbling hot, topped with scallions and sweet chili sauce, with crispy wonton chips and crunchy veggie crudités on the side. This one’s a game-changer for parties, game days, or honestly, just a Friday night snack.

🔥 From Takeout Cravings to Backyard BBQs

The idea for this recipe was born out of a craving. One weekend, after yet another order of our favorite Crab Rangoon from the local Chinese takeout joint, we started thinking: What if we could recreate that creamy-crunchy indulgence in a way that felt more at home in our outdoor cooking lineup?

As any Traeger fan knows, the grill isn’t just for meat—it’s a flavor machine. Smoking ingredients like cheese, seafood, and dips opens up a whole new category of cooking. We’d smoked cream cheese before for appetizers, but we had never used it as the foundation of a dip—and wow, we’re glad we did.

We also realized something important: Crab Rangoon flavor doesn’t have to be locked inside a fried wrapper. That rich combo of seafood, tangy cheese, and seasoning holds its own incredibly well when reimagined as a dip. Better still, baking it on the Traeger adds a slow-smoked character that deepens the flavor in a way no oven can match.

🧑‍🍳 Turning a Classic into a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s a reason this recipe has quickly become a go-to in our home. It’s nostalgic, it’s approachable, and it feels like comfort food with a gourmet upgrade. It taps into the same flavors we loved as kids—soft crab, cheesy filling, tangy zip—but presented in a way that’s more shareable and Traeger-friendly.

Plus, dips are forgiving. Unlike some smoked meats that require precise timing and temperatures, a dip gives you room to experiment. Want more heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes. Prefer it extra creamy? Toss in a bit more sour cream or mayo. You’re never locked in—just guided by flavor.

The biggest surprise? How quickly it disappears. Every time we serve this, someone ends up asking for the recipe. And every time we say: “It’s easier than it looks—just start with smoked cream cheese.” That one simple step is the magic trick.

🌲 Why the Traeger Is Perfect for More Than Meat

Your Traeger grill is a powerhouse for brisket, ribs, and chicken—but the real beauty is in its versatility. Dips, appetizers, and snacks take on new life when smoked over wood pellets. You’re not just warming things up—you’re building flavor, layering complexity into even the simplest recipes.

The controlled, indirect heat of the Traeger is perfect for gentle bakes like this dip. There’s no risk of scorching the cheese or overcooking the crab. Just a slow, steady cook that results in melty, bubbly perfection—with a signature smoky finish that can’t be replicated indoors.

Using the Traeger for appetizers like this also frees up your oven and keeps the heat out of the kitchen—ideal during summer parties or holiday gatherings when every appliance is working overtime.

🛒 A Quick Word on Wonton Chips

Let’s talk about the crispy companion to this creamy masterpiece: wonton chips. These golden, crunchy triangles are essential to the full experience—but not always easy to find. We had to check a few stores (and even an Asian market) before finally deciding to find them on Amazon. Here’s a link– these are actually pretty good.

If you’re up for it, just grab a pack of wonton wrappers, slice them into triangles, and lightly fry or bake them until golden. They’re lighter than traditional chips, which makes them the perfect match for a rich, cheesy dip like this one. Plus, they hold up without getting soggy—win-win.

And if you can’t get your hands on wonton wrappers? Thin pita chips or crostini work in a pinch, but trust us: the wonton chips are worth the effort.

📋 Ingredients for Smoked Crab Rangoon Dip

⭐ Ingredient Spotlight: Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoking the cream cheese ahead of time is what takes this dip from good to unforgettable. It becomes infused with subtle wood-fired notes, which balances beautifully with the richness of the crab and cheeses.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 blocks of cream cheese (8 oz each), seasoned with Under the Sea by Spiceology
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups crab meat (mix of claw and lump for best texture)
• 4 tbsp chopped scallions (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Sweet chili sauce (for garnish)
• Wonton chips and vegetable crudités, for serving

💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find pre-made wonton chips, cut wonton wrappers into triangles and bake or fry them yourself. They’re worth the hunt for that crispy, authentic crunch. Here’s a link to buy them online.

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🔥 How to Make Crab Rangoon Dip on the Traeger

Step 1 – Smoke the Cream Cheese

Start by preheating your Traeger to 225°F with your favorite wood pellets. We love using apple or pecan wood for this one—they bring a slightly sweet smoke that complements the seafood beautifully.

• Season the cream cheese blocks generously with Under the Sea seasoning.
• Place them directly on a foil-lined grill or in a grill-safe pan.
• Smoke for 45 minutes at 225°F. The edges will darken and absorb the smoke while the inside stays creamy.

Remove from the grill and let the cream cheese return to room temperature before mixing.

Step 2 – Mix the Dip

Using a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl and some elbow grease):

• Combine smoked cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ cup mozzarella, parmesan, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Beat until smooth and well blended.

Using a rubber spatula:

• Gently fold in the crab meat and chopped scallions to preserve texture.

Step 3 – Bake It on the Traeger

• Transfer the mixture to a greased, grill-safe baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the top.

Return the dish to the Traeger preheated to 375°F, and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 4 – Garnish and Serve

Just before serving:

• Top with extra chopped scallions
• Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for that sweet-and-heat finish

Serve warm with:

• Wonton chips (homemade or store-bought)
• Veggie crudités like cucumbers, carrots, bell pepper strips

🧡 You’ll watch this disappear fast—double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd!

🔁 Want to Mix It Up? Try These Variations

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Add bacon: Crumbled bacon on top brings smoky-salty crunch.
• Use shrimp or lobster: Switch out crab for other shellfish.
• Make it keto: Serve with pork rinds or celery sticks for low-carb dipping.

📚 More Recipes to Try on Your Traeger

If you love this dip, you’ll love these other Traeger-inspired appetizers:

• Texas Trash Dip
• Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
• Chile Relleno Dip
• S’Mores Dip

🙌 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Appetizer

This Smoked Crab Rangoon Dip on the Traeger is more than just a twist on a takeout classic—it’s a whole new way to wow your guests (or just treat yourself). With rich smoked cream cheese, real crab meat, and a kiss of wood-fired flavor, it’s everything you love, dialed up and made easy.

This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it appetizers that fills your backyard with the smell of deliciousness while you prep drinks or hang with friends.

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