Description
This Easy Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, and a flavorful blend of seasonings, this dip is baked until bubbly and golden, then served warm with toasted bread and crackers for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound lump crab meat
For Serving
- Toasted bread
- Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Add the thinly sliced green onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and lemon juice. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well blended. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the prepared crab dip mixture into a medium oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the Dip: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and top with additional sliced green onions for freshness and color. Serve the hot crab dip warm alongside toasted bread slices and crackers for dipping and enjoy as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can substitute lump crab meat with canned crab meat if fresh lump is unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or a baking dish to bake the dip.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
