Welcome to our appetizer section! Today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Cheesy Hot Crab Dip. This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with flavorful crab meat and a hint of buffalo sauce, making it perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. Serve it with your favorite chips or crackers and watch it disappear quickly! Let’s get started.
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (6 oz) lump crab meat, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley + extra for topping
- 1-2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Chips or crackers for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dip Mixture
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried parsley, all-purpose seasoning, and buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add Crab Meat and Cheddar: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Dip
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the top of the dip.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
Step 3: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with extra dried parsley for garnish.
- Serve Hot: Serve the cheesy hot crab dip immediately with your favorite chips or crackers.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Crab Meat: For the best flavor, use lump crab meat. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the dip to avoid excess moisture.
- Cheese: You can substitute or mix other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you prefer a spicier dip.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Variations
Spicy Crab Dip
Increase the buffalo sauce to 4-5 teaspoons and add 1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Herb Garlic Crab Dip
Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or green onions to the mixture for a fresh, herby flavor.
Lemon Crab Dip
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the crab.
Artichoke Crab Dip
Add 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the mixture for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I use fresh crab meat?
Yes, fresh crab meat can be used in place of canned crab meat. Be sure to pick through the crab meat to remove any shells and drain it well before using.
What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, such as tortilla chips, pita chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrot sticks.
How can I make the dip more flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture.
This Cheesy Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of crab meat, cheeses, and a hint of buffalo sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dip with your family and friends!