Description
Creamy “hot crab dip” brings coastal elegance to your appetizer spread, blending rich seafood with zesty seasonings. Cheese-laden and warm, this Southern-style classic promises a luxurious start to any gathering that will delight guests with its irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 16 oz lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a medium-sized baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, old bay seasoning, and black pepper into the cream cheese, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and well-integrated.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care not to break apart the delicate meat chunks, distributing it evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses over the crab mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the luxurious dip into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a consistent surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and temperature to cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives and parsley, adding a burst of color and fresh herb essence.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités for a delectable appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending and easier mixing without lumps.
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor, avoiding imitation crab.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack or gruyere for unique taste variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat options and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg