Imagine a creamy, bubbling appetizer that transforms your ordinary gathering into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for more! Packed with succulent crab meat, rich cream cheese, and a tantalizing blend of seasonings, this dip is the secret weapon every home cook needs in their arsenal. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a summer barbecue, or just craving a luxurious snack, this recipe promises to elevate your food game to restaurant-worthy heights.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (6 oz) crab meat, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended, using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Drain the canned crab meat carefully, removing any excess liquid. Gently fold the crab meat into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and fresh lemon juice to the mixture. Stir to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving some for topping. Mix in the chopped green onions, distributing them throughout the dip.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for 5 minutes. This allows the dip to set and prevents burning when serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks.
Tips
- Choose Quality Crab Meat: Fresh or high-quality canned crab meat makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth blending.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain the delicate texture of the crab meat.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
- Prevent Watery Dip: Ensure crab meat is well-drained to avoid excess liquid in your final dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooling to enjoy the optimal creamy consistency and temperature.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
