Description
Creamy “hot crab dip” blends rich seafood flavors with zesty cream cheese and herbs for an irresistible appetizer. Coastal comfort meets party-perfect deliciousness you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Seafood Ingredients:
- 16 oz lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, breaking down any potential lumps.
- Incorporate sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings including garlic powder, Old Bay, worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and well-integrated.
- Gently fold the lump crab meat into the seasoned mixture, taking care to maintain the delicate texture of the crab while ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture, creating a potential golden, crispy layer during baking.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent heating.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown and the top to become slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives just before serving for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités for a delectable appetizer experience.
Notes
- Opt for fresh lump crab meat to ensure the highest quality and most authentic seafood flavor in your dip.
- Select full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a richer, more luxurious texture that holds together beautifully.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more to taste for perfect spice balance.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 651 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg