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The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Hot Crab Dip

A creamy, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer bursting with the flavors of fresh crab, melted cheese, and zesty spices. Perfect for any occasion, Hot Crab Dip is your go-to dish for impressing guests with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • Juice of 1/2 medium lemon about 1 tablespoon
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce e.g., Tabasco
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat or claw meat
  • 3 medium scallions finely chopped
  • 8 ounces 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 medium bunch fresh parsley chopped
  • Baguette slices crackers, chips, or vegetables (for serving)

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients:
  1. Cut cream cheese into smaller pieces for quick melting.
  2. Juice the lemon until you have 1 tablespoon.
  3. Finely chop scallions and shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
Soften Cream Cheese:
  1. Place cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals until softened (about 45 seconds).
Make the Creamy Base:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1 minute).
  2. Add lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, dry mustard, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Incorporate Crab and Cheese:
  1. Drain crabmeat and remove any shell pieces.
  2. Gently fold crabmeat, scallions, and half of the shredded cheese into the creamy base using a spatula.
Assemble the Dip:
  1. Spread the mixture evenly in a 2-quart baking dish or 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
  2. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and cheese is melted.
Optional Broiling:
  1. For a golden, crispy top, broil uncovered on high for 2–4 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with baguette slices, crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Use fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor. If unavailable, high-quality canned crab works as a substitute.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying the hot sauce amount.
  • Prepare ahead and refrigerate the unbaked dip for up to a day. Bake fresh before serving.