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Hot Baked Crab Dip with Parmesan

This creamy and cheesy Hot Baked Crab Dip with Parmesan is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining sweet lump crab meat with a rich cheese base for an unforgettable dip.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 271
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dip
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese For the dip base
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For the dip base
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned) Check for shell pieces
For the topping and garnish
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese For topping
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions For garnish
For serving
  • tortilla chips or crostini For dipping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, set out a 1-quart baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, stir the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
  3. Mix in the Parmesan, cheddar, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care to keep the larger lumps whole.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until hot throughout, bubbly around the edges, and golden on top.
  2. If the dip was chilled, make sure to check that the center is hot before serving.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the dip and let it cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips or crostini.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid mixing the crab too vigorously. Canned crab should be drained well. This dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and baked just before serving.