Creamy Crab Dip with Old Bay and Cheddar Recipe
This creamy and flavorful crab dip combines rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese with fresh lump crab meat and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for entertaining, this dip is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, making it an excellent appetizer for gatherings or game days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes including chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped chives, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for an even texture.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. These ingredients will add depth of flavor and a pleasant kick to the dip, so mix thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
- Incorporate Crab and Cheese: Gently fold the fresh lump crab meat and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Take care to keep the crab meat mostly in chunks rather than breaking it up too much, preserving its texture and flavor.
- Add Chives: Mix in the finely chopped chives which will contribute a fresh, mild onion flavor. Reserve some chives for garnish to add a visual and flavor boost once the dip is served.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the crab dip to a serving dish and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dip to firm up slightly for better serving consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle additional chopped chives on top for a fresh green contrast. Serve chilled with crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for dipping.
Notes
- The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, easy-to-mix base.
- Old Bay Seasoning gives the dip its classic seafood flavor, but adjust the amount to taste if you prefer it spicier or milder.
- Use fresh lump crab meat if possible for the best flavor and texture; canned crab meat could be substituted but may affect the dip’s quality.
- For a warm dip variant, bake the mixture in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers including pita chips, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables.
