The Best Hot Crab Dip

The Best Hot Crab Dip

24 servings
Chef John's hot crab dip is made with easy ingredients and the best lump crab you can find for a delicious baked dip that's sure to be a hit at any party.

Ingredients

  • packages cream cheese

    softened

    2
  • sour cream
    ⅓ c
  • mayonnaise
    ⅓ c
  • ketchup
    ¼ c
  • worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • zest and juice from lemon
    1
  • old bay
  • paprika
  • hot sauce
    1 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • cayenne pepper to taste
  • shredded white cheddar cheese

    divided

    6 oz
  • salt to taste
  • sliced green onions
    ½ c
  • lump crab meat

    drained

    1 lb

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Stir cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon zest and juice, seafood seasoning, paprika, hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne, and 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese together in a bowl until well combined. Season with salt.

  3. 3

    Add green onions and crab meat to the bowl; fold in gently with a spatula until evenly mixed.

  4. 4

    Transfer into a baking dish or deep pie dish. Top with remaining 2 ounces shredded Cheddar and a shake of cayenne.

  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven until dip is piping hot, about 20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

  6. 6

    Serve with more green onions and sprinkle more cayenne on top if desired.

    Step 6
The Best Hot Crab Dip

The Best Hot Crab Dip

45 min24 servings155 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a show-stopping appetizer that's guaranteed to disappear at any gathering? Look no further than The Best Hot Crab Dip, a rich and savory baked sensation that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its thoughtful combination of easy-to-find ingredients and the star of the show: premium lump crab meat. This ensures a luxurious texture and undeniable seafood essence, creating a baked dip that stands head and shoulders above the rest without being overly complicated. It's designed to be a surefire hit, a delicious centerpiece that guests will rave about.

Prepare for a wonderfully creamy experience, with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and a touch of zesty brightness from fresh lemon. The blend of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates an incredibly smooth base, while Old Bay, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce build a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the sweet crab. You'll notice subtle notes of heat from hot sauce and cayenne, alongside the smoky warmth of paprika, all coming together in a warm, inviting appetizer. With a generous yield of 24 servings, this dip is naturally scaled for entertaining.

Customizing this hot crab dip to your preference is simple. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to achieve your desired level of heat. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle more Old Bay seasoning always works wonders. You can also experiment with different types of crackers or toasted bread for serving, or even use crisp vegetable sticks for a lighter option.

This baked hot crab dip is an ideal choice for parties, game days, or any special occasion where you want to impress. Serve it warm straight from the oven with your favorite dippers, ensuring every guest gets a taste of this irresistible creation.

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