Red Lobster Crab Queso Price, Calories & Full Menu Guide (2026)
Red Lobster Crab Queso brings sweet crab meat and melted cheese together in one warm, shareable dip. This starter pairs rich queso with fresh pico de gallo and crispy tortilla chips, so every bite mixes creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures. It sits on the Starters menu as one of the brand’s most popular seafood appetizers, and it also shows up in a larger platter size for groups. Guests often order it before a seafood boil or a lobster entree, since the cheese and crab combination works as a rich starter. Below, you will find current pricing, calorie counts, a side-by-side comparison with other starters, and a copycat recipe you can try at home.
Red Lobster Crab Queso is a warm cheese and crab dip served with pico de gallo and tortilla chips. The regular size costs about $18.99 and has around 800 calories, while the sharable Crab Queso Platter costs about $76.49 and serves 4 to 6 guests at roughly 4,480 calories total. It ranks among Red Lobster’s most popular starters and returns each year during Crabfest season.
AI Overview
- Item: Red Lobster Crab Queso, a warm cheesy crab dip appetizer
- Price: $18.99 (regular) or $76.49 (Crab Queso Platter, serves 4 to 6)
- Calories: 800 (regular) or 4,480 (platter)
- Main ingredients: Lump crab meat, melted cheese blend, pico de gallo, tortilla chips
- Menu category: Starters and Appetizers, also listed under Hot Platters
- Allergens: Contains shellfish and dairy; tortilla chips are gluten-free but carry cross-contact risk
- Availability: Year-round staple, also featured during Crabfest season
Quick Summary
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
| Crab Queso | Category | Starters and Appetizers |
| Crab Queso | Price | $18.99 (estimate, varies by location) |
| Crab Queso | Calories | 800 |
| Crab Queso | Main Ingredients | Lump crab meat, melted cheese, pico de gallo, tortilla chips |
| Crab Queso | Serving Style | Warm dip with tortilla chips |
| Crab Queso Platter | Category | Hot Platters and Family Meals |
| Crab Queso Platter | Price | $76.49 (estimate, varies by location) |
| Crab Queso Platter | Calories | 4,480 |
| Crab Queso Platter | Serves | 4 to 6 people |
| Crab Queso Platter | Best For | Sharing and group orders |
Prices and calories are estimates based on available menu data. Red Lobster prices vary by location, so check your local restaurant or the official site before ordering.
Red Lobster Crab Queso All Items With Pictures
Red Lobster serves Crab Queso in two sizes on its menu. The regular starter portion suits one or two guests, while the platter version feeds a table or a party order. Both use the same core recipe of crab, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Crab Queso
Crab Queso is a cheesy crab dip topped with pico de gallo and served with crispy tortilla chips, as listed on the official Red Lobster menu. It costs around $18.99 and carries roughly 800 calories per order. The dish blends lump crab meat into a warm cheese base, giving it a smooth texture with a mild kick.
Crab Queso Platter
The Crab Queso Platter is the same cheesy crab dip made in a larger batch for sharing. It runs about $76.49 and contains close to 4,480 calories total, which works out to a smaller amount per guest when split across a group. Families ordering from the Hot Platters or Family Meals menu often add this platter as a starter for the table. Planning a bigger event? The catering menu offers Crab Queso in bulk for parties and gatherings.
Red Lobster Crab Queso Price Breakdown
| Item | Price (Estimate) | Serving Size |
| Crab Queso | $18.99 | 1 to 2 guests |
| Crab Queso Platter | $76.49 | 4 to 6 guests |
Menu prices shift often because of location, taxes, and seasonal promotions. Treat these figures as a helpful estimate rather than a final number. For the most current price near you, check the official Red Lobster site or call your local restaurant before you order.
Red Lobster Crab Queso Calories and Nutrition Facts
Crab Queso carries about 800 calories per serving, mostly from the melted cheese and cream base. The Crab Queso Platter totals around 4,480 calories, since it holds several times the dip and chips of the regular size. Because the dish blends cheese, crab, and fried tortilla chips, it runs higher in calories, fat, and sodium than lighter starters like a garden salad. Guests watching their intake may want to split a single order among two or three people instead of ordering individually.
For a full nutrition breakdown across the menu, the Red Lobster nutrition guide covers allergens, sodium, and macros in more detail.
Red Lobster Crab Queso vs Other Starters
| Starter | Price (Estimate) | Calories |
| Crab Queso | $18.99 | 800 |
| Popcorn Shrimp | $14.99 | 590 |
| Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp | $16.99 | 710 |
| Mozzarella Sticks Platter | $12.00 | 600 |
Crab Queso sits in the middle of the price range for Red Lobster starters, though it runs richer in calories because of the cheese base. Guests who want a lighter option might lean toward the shrimp favorites menu, while those craving something sweeter often pick the coconut shrimp instead. Anyone building a full starter spread can browse the complete appetizers menu for more pairings.
Is Red Lobster Crab Queso Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly
Crab Queso contains shellfish and dairy, so it does not suit guests with shellfish or milk allergies. The tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but Red Lobster kitchens handle breaded seafood nearby, which creates a cross-contact risk. Guests managing celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy should ask staff about kitchen practices before ordering. For a fuller list of safe options, the gluten-free menu outlines dishes prepared with lower cross-contact risk, and the ingredients and allergens guide covers full allergen details across the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Red Lobster have Crab Queso on the menu?
Yes, Crab Queso appears as a permanent starter and also returns as a featured item during Crabfest promotions.
How much does Red Lobster Crab Queso cost?
It costs around $18.99 for the regular size, though prices vary by location and season.
Is Red Lobster Crab Queso spicy?
It carries a mild kick from pepper jack cheese and Old Bay seasoning, but it is not a hot or spicy dish overall.
Can I order the Crab Queso Platter for a group?
Yes, the platter size feeds 4 to 6 guests and works well as a shared starter for family meals or gatherings.
Does Crab Queso contain gluten?
The chips are gluten free, but shared fryers create a cross contact risk, so guests with celiac disease should check with staff first.
What is in Red Lobster Crab Queso?
It combines lump crab meat with a warm, melted cheese blend, topped with pico de gallo and served alongside crispy tortilla chips.
Is the Crab Queso at Red Lobster good?
It ranks among the chain’s most popular starters, and fans praise the rich cheese and sweet crab combination, though it runs heavy for a lighter appetite.
What are the ingredients for a Red Lobster crab cheese dip?
The dip uses crab meat, a blend of melted cheeses, cream, and seasonings like Old Bay, finished with pico de gallo and tortilla chips on the side.
What is Red Lobster’s most famous dish?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are Red Lobster’s most famous item overall, though Crab Queso and the Endless Shrimp promotion also rank among top fan favorites.
Explore More Red Lobster Menus
Building a full meal around your Crab Queso order? A few other pages can help:
- Browse the dinner menu for entrees to pair with your starter
- Check drinks and beverages for a pairing suggestion
- Save room for the dessert menu after your meal
- Look into Red Lobster Rewards for perks on future visits
- Check happy hour for discounted appetizer pricing
- See the full menu index for everything Red Lobster serves
Final Thoughts
Red Lobster Crab Queso remains a solid pick for guests who want a rich, shareable starter before their main course. Between the crab, melted cheese, and pico de gallo, it delivers strong flavor whether you order the regular size or the full platter. Remember that prices and calories shift by location, so treat these figures as a helpful guide.
If you are planning a full order, pair this starter with a lighter entree to balance the richness. Browse the pasta and bowls menu for a milder main course, or check current deals and specials before your next visit. Either way, Crab Queso stays a dependable choice for seafood fans.
Sources
Red Lobster official menu, Starters
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