Description
This Ultimate Crab Dip recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Made with fresh lump crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of seasonings, it bakes to a bubbly golden perfection and is best served warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Creamy Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
Seafood & Cheese
- 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided, ½ cup for mixing, ½ cup for topping)
Herbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped chives (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix creamy ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Use a hand mixer or stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Stir in crab: Gently fold in the fresh lump crab meat, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup), and the finely chopped chives. Mix carefully to combine all ingredients without breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Bake: Spread the prepared crab dip evenly into a 9-inch round baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with additional chopped chives. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften completely to ensure a smooth and creamy dip.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Avoid canned crab for this recipe.
- Adjust hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- The dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add baking time if coming from cold.
- Serve with an assortment of dippers like pita chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
