Description
This Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. Made with tender lump crab meat, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Old Bay, garlic powder, and a hint of lemon zest, then baked to bubbly perfection. Serve it warm with sliced baguette or tortilla chips for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Crab Dip Ingredients
- 16 ounces high-quality, well-drained lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt (to taste, added after tasting dip without salt)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 1 to 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the dip doesn’t stick during baking. Set it aside for later use.
- Mix base ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Add crab meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat to the cheese mixture, taking care not to break up the crab too much. Stir just until the crab is fully combined and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bake the dip: Transfer the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbling around the edges, indicating it is ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and serve warm with sliced baguette, tortilla chips, or your favorite dippers for a delicious appetizer everyone will enjoy.
Notes
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for best taste and texture.
- Adjust seasoning and salt according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for the best warm and gooey experience.
- This dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Can be paired with veggie sticks, crackers, or toasted bread slices as alternatives to chips or baguette.
