Classic Crab Dip

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Classic Crab Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. With its delightful mix of rich flavors, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Classic Crab Dip

Lump crab meat is the star of this dish, providing that unmistakable seafood flavor and texture. Be sure to pick through for any stray shell bits.

Cream cheese, when softened, adds a smooth and creamy base that holds the dip together.

Mayonnaise contributes a rich, tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

Sour cream complements the mayo with a subtle tang, balancing the richness.

Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a sharp, cheesy bite to the dip.

Lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess.

Worcestershire sauce gives a depth of umami flavor that's hard to resist.

Hot sauce provides a gentle heat; adjust to your liking.

Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper season the dip perfectly, enhancing all the other flavors.

Fresh parsley is sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled varieties can taste a bit off.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Gently fold the crab meat to avoid breaking up the pieces too much.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a more substantial option, serve it with warm baguette slices or toasted bread rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat tends to have a better texture and flavor.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it fresh.

Classic Crab Dip Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives you plenty of time to mix everything together while the oven gets nice and hot.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy base is crucial for a great dip.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Now, gently fold in the lump crab meat. Be careful here; you want to keep the pieces as intact as possible for the best texture.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it cook consistently.

Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden and the dip to be heated through.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. It adds a lovely touch of color and a hint of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy texture with just the right amount of kick.
  • Uses lump crab meat for a more authentic seafood flavor.
  • Easy to prepare and ready in under 45 minutes.
  • A versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of dippers.

Ingredients

1 lb lump crab meat
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and mix well.
4. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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