Experience the ultimate indulgence with this irresistibly hot crab dip. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this creamy and savory dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich cheddar cheese, succulent crabmeat, and a blend of spices creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for more.
If you're planning to make this recipe, there are a few ingredients you might not have on hand. Jumbo lump crabmeat is an essential component, known for its large, tender pieces. Old Bay seasoning is a unique blend of spices often used in seafood dishes. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex depth of flavor and can be found in the condiment aisle. Make sure to grab these at your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps in caramelizing the onions.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the dip.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dip.
Jumbo lump crabmeat: The star ingredient, offering succulent and tender pieces of crab.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
Sour cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tang.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides a complex, savory depth of flavor.
Hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the dip.
Old Bay seasoning: A blend of spices that complements seafood perfectly.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty note.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into the dip, adding flavor and creaminess.
Chives: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Carrot sticks: Perfect for dipping; adds a crunchy texture.
Celery sticks: Another crunchy dipping option.
Crackers: A classic accompaniment for the creamy dip.
Crostini: Toasted bread slices for an extra crispy dipper.
One reader, Annemarie Ferreira says:
This irresistibly hot crab dip is a game-changer! The perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors had everyone coming back for more. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. A must-try for any gathering!
Techniques Required for Making Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip
Yes.
How to caramelize onions: Cook onions over medium-low heat until they turn golden brown and sweet, which usually takes 12 to 15 minutes. How to drain crab meat: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid from the crab meat by letting it sit over a bowl. How to use an electric mixer: Combine ingredients by beating them together until well mixed. How to broil: Set the oven to broil on low and cook the dish until the surface is bubbling and browned, usually for about 3 minutes.
How To Make Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip
Crab dip recipe that combines flavorful ingredients making it the most irresistible dip to ever prepare with nachos, fried chicken, or anything you fancy!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 1cupyellow onion,finely chopped
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ½tspkosher salt
- 1lbjumbo lump crabmeat
- 6ozcream cheese,,room temperature
- 3tbspsour cream
- 3tbspmayonnaise
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tsphot sauce
- 2tspold bay seasoning,plus more for garnish
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- 2tbspchives,fresh, thinly sliced, for garnish
- carrot stick,for serving
- celery stick,for serving
- cracker,for serving
- crostini,for serving
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
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Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, and salt.
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Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the onions are caramelized.
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Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl to cool completely.
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Using a fine-mesh strainer, drain crab meat over a bowl.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, hot sauce, Old Bay, and lemon juice.
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Using an electric mixer, beat together until well combined.
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With a flexible spatula, fold in the onion mixture, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and the crab meat.
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Transfer the dip to a 1-quart baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the mixture is just beginning to bubble around the edges and the cheese is melted.
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Heat the broiler to low. Broil dip for 3 minutes, until the whole surface is bubbling and browned.
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Remove the dip from the oven. Let cool for at least 15 minutes, until set.
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Garnish the dip with Old Bay and chives. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, and crostini.
Nutrition
- Calories: 368.49kcal
- Fat: 28.44g
- Saturated Fat: 13.88g
- Trans Fat: 0.43g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.50g
- Carbohydrates: 6.91g
- Fiber: 1.22g
- Sugar: 3.21g
- Protein: 21.41g
- Cholesterol: 143.07mg
- Sodium: 797.75mg
- Calcium: 286.81mg
- Potassium: 442.98mg
- Iron: 1.04mg
- Vitamin A: 217.16µg
- Vitamin C: 8.81mg
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hot Crab Dip
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
Caramelize onions in advance: Caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Buy pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid extra grating.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise using a food processor.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare garnishes ahead: Chop chives and prepare carrot sticks and celery sticks in advance.
Substitute Ingredients For Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle flavor.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar taste, though it is less pungent.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile.
jumbo lump crabmeat - Substitute with imitation crabmeat: Imitation crabmeat is more affordable and widely available.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy texture with added tanginess and lower fat.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can mimic the creaminess and tang of mayonnaise.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor with a bit more saltiness.
hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar heat level with a touch of sweetness.
old bay seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning provides a similar blend of spices with a bit more heat.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor similar to cheddar.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a similar mild onion flavor and color.
carrot stick - Substitute with cucumber stick: Cucumber sticks offer a similar crunch and refreshing taste.
celery stick - Substitute with bell pepper strips: Bell pepper strips provide a similar crunch with a sweeter flavor.
cracker - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips offer a similar crunch and are sturdy enough for dipping.
crostini - Substitute with baguette slices: Baguette slices provide a similar texture and can be toasted for added crunch.
Best Way to Present Hot Crab Dip
Serve in individual ramekins: Present the crab dip in small, elegant ramekins to ensure each guest receives a perfectly portioned serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also maintains the dip's temperature and texture.
Garnish with precision: After broiling, delicately sprinkle chives and a light dusting of old bay seasoning on top of each ramekin. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Accompany with artisanal sides: Arrange carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, and crostini in a fan-like pattern around each ramekin. Use high-quality, artisanal options to elevate the overall presentation.
Use a stylish serving tray: Place the ramekins and their accompaniments on a sleek, modern serving tray. This adds a touch of sophistication and makes it easier for guests to enjoy the dish.
Add microgreens for elegance: Top each ramekin with a small cluster of microgreens. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the crab dip.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the serving tray with a few edible flowers. This adds a burst of color and a touch of whimsy, making the presentation truly Michelin-star worthy.
Serve with a chilled white wine: Pair the crab dip with a crisp, chilled white wine. This not only complements the flavors but also adds an element of luxury to the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Crab Dip
Oven: Used to bake the crab dip at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and to broil the dip for a browned surface.
Medium pan: Used to melt the butter and caramelize the onions and garlic.
Fine-mesh strainer: Used to drain the crab meat over a bowl to remove excess liquid.
Small bowl: Used to cool the caramelized onion mixture.
Medium bowl: Used to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
Electric mixer: Used to beat together the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Flexible spatula: Used to fold in the onion mixture, cheddar cheese, and crab meat into the cream cheese mixture.
1-quart baking dish: Used to bake the crab dip.
Broiler: Used to broil the dip for a bubbling and browned surface.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and garlic.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the onion and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, salt, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the onion, cheddar cheese, and crab meat.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Crab Dip
To store leftover crab dip, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, transfer the desired amount of crab dip to an oven-safe dish and heat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
To freeze crab dip for longer storage, transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen crab dip, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and reheat as directed above. Note: The texture of the dip may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious.
Always ensure that the crab dip is heated to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to prevent foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the dip.
How To Reheat Leftover Crab Dip
To reheat leftover crab dip, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly. Serve the reheated dip with fresh carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, or crostini.
Another option is to reheat the crab dip in the microwave. Place the dip in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dip is evenly heated throughout. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as this can cause the cream cheese and sour cream to separate or become grainy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover crab dip in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir the dip constantly to prevent burning and ensure even heating. If the dip seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up. Heat the dip until it's warmed through and bubbly, then serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
If you have a small amount of leftover crab dip, you can also reheat it in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dip in a small, oven-safe dish. Heat the dip for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on the dip to ensure it doesn't burn or become too brown on top.
Random Fact About Crab Dip
A fun fact about this crab dip recipe is that Old Bay seasoning is a classic spice blend originating from Maryland, often used in seafood dishes to enhance flavor with its unique mix of herbs and spices.
Is Making Hot Crab Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this crab dip recipe, it's clear that the use of jumbo lump crabmeat and cream cheese can make it a bit pricey. However, the rich flavors and versatility in serving with carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, and crostini add value. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $30-$35 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Crab Dip Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The irresistibly hot crab dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the generous amounts of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. These ingredients, along with the butter used for caramelizing the onions, contribute to the dish's rich and creamy texture but also make it calorie-dense and high in saturated fats.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to the recipe. Crab meat is an excellent source of lean protein, and the dish also includes onions and garlic, which offer some nutritional benefits. The recipe suggests serving the dip with carrot sticks and celery sticks, providing a healthy vehicle for consuming the dip and adding some fiber and nutrients to the overall meal.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much on taste and texture, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, or replace them with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or light sour cream
- Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of a strongly flavored cheese like sharp cheddar or Parmesan to maintain the cheesy flavor while cutting down on fat and calories
- Increase the amount of crab meat to boost the protein content and make the dip more satisfying
- Serve the dip with a variety of fresh vegetables, whole-grain crackers, or whole-wheat crostini to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Crab Dip Recipe
This crab dip recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The caramelized onions and garlic add a deep, savory base, while the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise ensures a creamy consistency. The use of Old Bay seasoning and hot sauce provides a perfect kick, balanced by the freshness of lemon juice. Topping it with cheddar cheese and broiling adds a satisfying, bubbly crust. Garnishing with chives and serving with a variety of dippers makes it versatile and appealing. Overall, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s both indulgent and sophisticated.
Enhance Your Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip Recipe:
This irresistibly hot crab dip recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of jumbo lump crabmeat, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy texture, while the Old Bay seasoning and hot sauce add a perfect kick of heat. The caramelized onions and garlic bring a depth of flavor that will impress any guest. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors, making it a reliable and delicious choice for any occasion.
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