Hot Crab Dip Baked In Bread Bowl
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's quick, easy, and delicious, look no further than hot crab dip baked in a bread bowl. This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with chunks of tender crab meat, and the bread bowl makes for the perfect vessel to scoop and enjoy.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 large sourdough bread bowl
- 16 oz. lump crab meat, drained
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your hot crab dip:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut off the top of the bread bowl and remove the inside, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the drained crab meat.
- Spoon the mixture into the bread bowl, filling it to the top.
- Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with slices of toasted bread or crackers.
Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make the perfect hot crab dip:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Drain the crab meat well to remove any excess liquid.
- Don't overmix the dip or it may become too thin and runny.
- For a spicier dip, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Replace the crab meat with cooked, chopped shrimp or lobster.
- Add in some diced bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- Swap out the Parmesan cheese for shredded Cheddar or Gruyere.
- Top the dip with breadcrumbs or panko before baking for a crispy crust.
- Serve the dip in individual bread bowls for a fun and festive presentation.
Conclusion
Hot crab dip baked in a bread bowl is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from game day gatherings to holiday parties. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and chunks of tender crab meat, it's sure to be a hit with all your guests. And with this easy recipe and helpful tips, you'll be able to make the perfect hot crab dip every time.
