Description
Creamy hot crab dip showcases Maryland’s coastal culinary pride with rich, tangy flavors. Cheese, herbs, and succulent crab meat combine for an irresistible appetizer that welcomes hungry guests to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously inspect canned crab meat, removing shells and cartilage, then drain and pat dry to eliminate excess moisture.
- Base Creation: Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth, then blend in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until fully incorporated.
- Crab Integration: Gently fold crab meat into the creamy mixture, maintaining the seafood’s delicate texture and ensuring even distribution.
- Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), grease a baking dish, and spread the crab mixture evenly across the surface.
- Finishing Touch: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown crust and the interior reaches a steaming hot temperature, then let rest briefly before serving with artisan bread, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités.
Notes
- Inspect Seafood Carefully: Remove all shell fragments and tough cartilage from canned crab meat to ensure a smooth, safe eating experience.
- Blend Ingredients Smoothly: Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise thoroughly to create a creamy, lump-free base that enhances the overall texture of the dip.
- Fold Crab Gently: Use a light folding technique when mixing crab meat to maintain its delicate texture and prevent breaking down the seafood.
- Control Baking Time: Watch the dip closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown top without burning or drying out the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg