For all the seafood lovers out there, this hot cheesy crab dip is a must-try. The creamy, savory mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise is flavored with old bay seasoning and garlic powder, offering an irresistible taste. The lump crab meat gives it a hearty feel, while the melted cheddar cheese on top adds a layer of gooey goodness.
The key ingredient here is the lump crab meat which you might not always find in your home. While buying, make sure to choose fresh and good quality crab meat for the best taste. Old Bay seasoning is another ingredient that is a blend of herbs and spices, widely used in seafood recipes. If you don't have it in your pantry, you can easily find it in the spice aisle of any supermarket.
Ingredients for Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Cream cheese: The base of the dip, cream cheese gives the recipe its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Sour cream: Adds light tanginess to the dip, complementing the richness of other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: Helps to create a creamy and smooth consistency.
Old Bay seasoning: A unique blend of herbs and spices that adds a bold and savory flavor to the dip.
Garlic powder: Provides a hint of garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Seasoned salt: Adds an extra dose of flavor.
Green onions: Gives a hint of freshness and crunch to the dip.
Lump crabmeat: The star of the recipe, crabmeat adds a seafood flavor and hearty texture to the dip.
Cheddar cheese: Melted on top for a gooey finish and extra cheesy flavor.
Baguette: Perfect for serving and dipping, the crusty baguette pairs well with the creamy dip.
One reader, Aleksandr Majors says:
This hot cheesy crab dip recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavors are a hit at every gathering. The blend of crabmeat and cheddar cheese is simply irresistible. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good dip.
Techniques for Making the Perfect Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before starting the recipe to ensure it reaches the desired temperature when the dip is ready to bake.
How to combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, old bay seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
How to fold in crabmeat and cheese: Gently fold in the green onions, lump crabmeat, and half of the cheddar cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
How to spread into dish: Spread the combined mixture into a 1½-quart baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed for even cooking.
How to top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the mixture in the baking dish before placing it in the oven.
How to serve with toasted baguette: Slice the baguette and toast it until golden brown. Serve the hot cheesy crab dip with the toasted baguette for a delicious appetizer.
How To Make Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
This crab dip takes your usual cheese dips to a new level. It has a cream cheese base with some cheddar, lump crab meat, and the beloved Old Bay seasoning.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- ⅓cupsour cream
- ¼cupmayonnaise
- 1tspOld Bay seasoning
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tspseasoned salt,or to taste
- 2green onions,thinly sliced
- 8ozlump crabmeat
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- baguette,for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, old bay, seasoned salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix on medium speed until fluffy.
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Add green onions, crabmeat and half of the cheddar cheese. Gently fold until incorporated.
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Spread into a 1½-quart dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until melted and bubbly.
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Serve with toasted baguette.
Nutrition
- Calories: 258.34kcal
- Fat: 22.97g
- Saturated Fat: 10.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.14g
- Carbohydrates: 2.19g
- Fiber: 0.14g
- Sugar: 1.33g
- Protein: 11.03g
- Cholesterol: 83.31mg
- Sodium: 416.27mg
- Calcium: 180.22mg
- Potassium: 152.54mg
- Iron: 0.42mg
- Vitamin A: 166.43µg
- Vitamin C: 1.75mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
When preparing the crabmeat for this dip, ensure that you thoroughly check for any shell fragments. Even though lump crabmeat is typically pre-cleaned, small pieces of shell can sometimes be overlooked. These can be sharp and unpleasant to bite into, so it's worth taking a few extra minutes to sift through the meat. Also, when folding the crabmeat into the cream cheese mixture, be gentle to maintain the lumps for a more satisfying texture in your dip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Plan ahead: Prepare the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop, saving you time on the day of serving.
Use pre-packaged crabmeat: Opt for pre-packaged lump crabmeat to save time on picking and cleaning fresh crabmeat.
Pre-shred cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Multi-task: While the dip is baking, prepare the toasted baguette to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Batch preparation: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for future use, saving time on preparation for your next gathering.
Substitute Ingredients For Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dip while reducing the overall fat content.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can offer a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while being a healthier alternative to sour cream.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dip.
old bay seasoning - Substitute with Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning can provide a similar spicy and flavorful kick to the dip, adding depth of flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Using fresh minced garlic can enhance the flavor of the dip and provide a more robust garlic taste.
seasoned salt - Substitute with kosher salt and a pinch of paprika: This combination can provide a similar seasoned flavor while allowing for better control of the salt content.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a milder onion flavor and a similar pop of green color to the dip.
lump crabmeat - Substitute with canned crab meat: Canned crab meat can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to fresh lump crabmeat while still providing a delicious crab flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese can offer a rich and nutty flavor that complements the crab and other ingredients in the dip.
Presentation Ideas for a Delectable Crab Dip
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hot cheesy crab dip, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element to the presentation by serving the dip with thinly sliced and toasted baguette. The contrast in textures will elevate the overall dining experience.
Opt for sophisticated serving ware: Choose porcelain or ceramic dishes to serve the dip. The clean and classic look of the dishware will complement the richness of the dip and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chopped parsley on top of the dip just before serving. This final touch will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of flavor to the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the placement of the crabmeat and cheese on the dip. Ensure that each element is thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious and balanced presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Food processor: This can be used to quickly and efficiently mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings for the dip.
Mixing bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients such as the crabmeat, green onions, and cheddar cheese before spreading the mixture into a baking dish.
Baking dish: This will be used to bake the hot cheesy crab dip in the oven until it's melted and bubbly.
Toaster or Oven: You will need a toaster or oven to toast the baguette, which will be served with the hot cheesy crab dip.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
- Let the crab dip cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the dip to an airtight container and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the crab dip:
- Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- Wrap the container in a layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To thaw frozen crab dip, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Reheat thawed or refrigerated dip in the microwave or in a baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
- If the dip seems too thick after thawing or reheating, stir in a little milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed crab dip, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dip.
How to Reheat Leftover Crab Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover crab dip into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method ensures even heating and prevents the dip from drying out.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the leftover dip in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cream cheese to separate and become grainy.
If you have a slow cooker or crockpot, you can reheat the dip on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the dip warm during parties or gatherings.
For a crispy top, reheat the dip in the oven as mentioned above, but remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of heating. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top before removing the foil for an extra cheesy crust.
If the dip seems too thick after reheating, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or sour cream to help loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
Interesting Trivia About Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Crab dip is a popular appetizer in the United States, especially in coastal regions. It's often served at parties and gatherings, and its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Is Making Hot Cheesy Crab Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
This hot cheesy crab dip recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cream cheese, sour cream, and crabmeat, are reasonably priced and can be found at most grocery stores. The dish is rich and flavorful, making it a satisfying treat for a family gathering or a cozy night in. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it an affordable option for a delicious appetizer. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its taste, simplicity, and affordability.
Is Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
This hot cheesy crab dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese - are all high in saturated fat and calories. The lump crabmeat is a good source of protein, but it's overshadowed by the other less nutritious components. Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder add flavor without significant nutritional value, and the green onions provide a small amount of vitamins and minerals. Overall, this dip is more of an indulgent treat than a health-conscious choice.
To make this recipe healthier, you could:
- Replace some or all of the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt
- Use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise to cut down on saturated fat and calories
- Increase the amount of crabmeat and green onions to boost the protein and nutrient content
- Serve the dip with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, or cucumber rounds instead of (or in addition to) the baguette to reduce the carbohydrate content and add more fiber and vitamins
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Crab Dip Recipe
This hot cheesy crab dip recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and indulgent flavors. The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a lusciously smooth base, while the old bay seasoning and garlic powder add a kick of flavor. The addition of lump crabmeat and cheddar cheese provides a rich and satisfying texture, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress your guests with its irresistible aroma and taste. Enjoy it with toasted baguette for a delightful culinary experience.
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Why trust this Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Recipe:
This hot cheesy crab dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring crabmeat and cheddar cheese for a rich and indulgent flavor. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a creamy and luscious texture, while the addition of old bay seasoning and garlic powder infuses the dip with a burst of savory goodness. The inclusion of green onions adds a fresh and aromatic element, elevating the overall taste. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a delectable and satisfying appetizer experience.
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