When it comes to hosting, nothing beats a dish that’s both easy to make and a hit with guests. This creamy hot crab dip is the perfect choice.
It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor, making it an irresistible addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a lively party, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grab some crusty bread or crackers, and get ready to impress!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it is smooth.
- Add mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the cream cheese. Mix these ingredients until well combined.
- Stir in ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce, adjusting the heat to your taste. Gently fold in the fresh lump crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the dip in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and bubbly.
- Serve the dip warm with slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or freshly chopped cold vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 1 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce (or more, to taste)
- 1 pound of fresh jumbo lump crab meat
- Sourdough bread
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped cold vegetables
Nutritional Values
Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1156mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 769IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can the crab dip be made in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the crab dip up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and then bake it as per the instructions when you’re ready to serve.
- Is it possible to use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
- While fresh jumbo lump crab meat is recommended for the best flavor, canned crab meat can be used if necessary. However, fresh crab meat will provide the best taste and texture.
- How should leftover crab dip be stored and reheated?
- Leftover crab dip should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave until heated through.
- What are some serving suggestions for crab dip?
- Crab dip can be served with a variety of dippers, including slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or chopped cold vegetables.
- Can the crab dip be cooked using a slow cooker?
- Yes, for a crockpot version, add the crab dip to a slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours until it is thoroughly heated.
Tips
- When using fresh crab meat, taste it beforehand to determine its saltiness. If it’s already salty, you may want to skip adding extra salt to the dip.
- For a fun presentation, consider baking the crab dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only adds a unique touch but also provides tasty dipping pieces from the removed bread.
- If you prefer a cold dip, simply prepare the mixture as instructed but skip the baking step. This offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional hot dip.
- To make the process more convenient, you can prepare the crab dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a fresh and warm appetizer.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer – for beating the cream cheese until smooth.
- 9? Pie Dish or Baking Pan – for baking the crab dip.
- Slow Cooker (optional) – if you choose to make the crockpot variation of the crab dip.
- Bread Bowl (optional) – if you choose to make the crab dip in a bread bowl variation.
