Creamy Classic Crab Dip

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Creamy Classic Crab Dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. It's a warm, cheesy, and savory dish that brings a touch of elegance without much fuss.

Ingredients for Creamy Classic Crab Dip

Cream cheese forms the creamy base, providing a rich texture and tangy flavor. Mayonnaise adds moisture and a slight tang, while sour cream contributes to the overall creaminess and depth. Worcestershire sauce offers a savory, umami kick that enhances the crab's natural flavors. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and hot sauce adds a gentle heat. Garlic powder and onion powder build the aromatic foundation, complemented by a touch of salt and black pepper to balance flavors. The star, lump crabmeat, brings its sweet, delicate essence. Chives add freshness and a pop of color, while shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese create a savory, cheesy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
  • Use fresh crabmeat for the best flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Adjust the hot sauce to your heat preference — a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions

This crab dip pairs wonderfully with crispy baguette slices, buttery crackers, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for a lighter option. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats and pickles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze the crab dip?
It's best served fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce and a dash of vinegar for a similar umami flavor.

Creamy Classic Crab Dip Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure a bubbly, golden top without drying out the creamy interior. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. You can use a spatula or a hand mixer for this part, whichever you prefer.

Next, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all these flavors are well incorporated. This is where the dip starts to get its depth of flavor.

Gently fold in the crabmeat, making sure not to break up the lumps too much — you want those nice chunks in the final dish. Add the chives and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheesy layer will create a delightful crust as it bakes.

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's bubbly and the top is beautifully golden. Serve it hot with your choice of crackers or toasted bread slices for dipping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — perfect for last-minute guests.
  • Rich and creamy texture that pleases every palate.
  • Packed with flavorful crab and cheese, making it a standout appetizer.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various dippers.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 oz lump crabmeat, drained
1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Gently fold in the crabmeat, chives, and half of the cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Serve hot with crackers or toasted bread slices.

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