Hot Crab Dip Recipe With Old Bay Seasoning
Crab dip is a classic party staple that everyone loves. It's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping chips, crackers or bread. And when you add Old Bay seasoning to it, you take it to a whole new level. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious hot crab dip recipe with Old Bay seasoning that will be the highlight of your next party.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked clean of any shells
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the lump crabmeat to the bowl and gently fold it into the mixture. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat too much, as you want it to remain in larger pieces.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle some extra Old Bay seasoning on top, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly. If you want a more golden and crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve hot with some crackers, chips or toasted bread.
This hot crab dip recipe with Old Bay seasoning is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. You can even double the recipe and freeze some for later. It's perfect for game day, holiday parties or any other occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and flavorful appetizer.
Why Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that originated in Maryland in the 1940s. It's often used to flavor seafood dishes and is known for its bold and zesty flavor. The main ingredients in Old Bay seasoning are celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder, among others. It adds a unique and delicious flavor to the hot crab dip, and complements the sweetness of the crabmeat perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier version, you can add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the mixture.
- If you don't have Old Bay seasoning, you can make your own by combining celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and bay leaves.
- You can use canned or fresh crabmeat for this recipe. If using canned crabmeat, make sure to drain it well and pick out any shells or cartilage.
- You can use different types of cheese in this recipe, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
- Instead of baking the dip in the oven, you can cook it on the stove in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until hot and bubbly.
Now that you know how to make a delicious hot crab dip recipe with Old Bay seasoning, it's time to gather your ingredients and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Whether it's for a party or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Bon appétit!
