Description
This creamy and flavorful crab dip is a perfect appetizer for parties or cozy get-togethers. Combining sumptuous lump crab meat with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheeses, it is seasoned with lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and optional hot sauce for a subtle kick. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s best served warm with chips or baguette slices.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Cheeses and Add-ins
- ½ cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
- ¼ cup green onions (thinly sliced, plus more for garnish)
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish using nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce if using. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Add Cheeses and Green Onions: Stir in ¼ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese, ¼ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the thinly sliced green onions until evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Incorporate Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully to keep chunks intact while distributing it evenly throughout the dip.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup each of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with extra sliced green onions. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and taste; canned crab can be used but may alter flavor.
- Let the dip cool slightly after baking before serving to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
