This creamy and flavorful hot crab dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or gatherings. It’s a blend of lump crab meat, cheeses, mayonnaise, and spices, baked until bubbly and golden. Serve it warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetables for dipping.
Ingredients:
- Crab:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells and cartilage
- Cheeses:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Mayonnaise & Sour Cream:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps too much.
- Bake the Dip:
- Transfer the crab mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe serving dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve hot with crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or vegetables for dipping.
Tips and Notes:
- Crab Meat: Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. You can also use claw meat if you prefer, but it will have a different texture.
- Cheese Variations: You can substitute other cheeses, such as Swiss or Gruyere, for the Monterey Jack.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of lemon wedges for squeezing over the dip.
Enjoy your delicious Louisiana Hot Crab Dip!