There’s one more thing you need to eat before you punish yourself with kale salad for the next month. Ok…so probably more like the next week and a half (be honest now). But still, you neeeed a cheesy, decadent flavor-bomb before the clock strikes twelve on the new year. You deserve it. A last hurrah. You need crab dip.
But before we get to the dip, I need you to pat me on the back for even blogging today. My house is still overrun with fourteen of the previous eighteen (most adorable) relatives, which is great, but they brought with them a plague. I spent the last day and a half chilled to the bone while sweating out all my “toxins” or whatever and all I want to do is sleep. Today a doc-in-box confirmed that I do indeed have strep. My will to take part in anything but a netflix marathon is squashed, and I’ve completely excused myself from the charade of making resolutions this year. But here I am blogging even though I’m legitimately ill! I just could not wait until after new years to post this perfectly indulgent, celebratory dip. You need this and you need it now. I’m doing this for YOU.
I don’t care if you already have your new year’s eve menu planned. Make room. And trust me on this, because I’m a Marylander, and if there’s anything we do right (culinarily speaking) it’s crab.
Crab ain’t cheap, which is why I like to use it in dip – everyone shares it, and all that cheese makes it so heart-stoppingly rich that you absolutely need help to finish it. As far as crab goes, this is really pretty thrifty. Thrifty crab-eating could even be a worthy resolution, for those (like me) who lack scruples. Baby steps!
Maryland Style Hot and Spicy Crab Dip
Ingredients:
-1 block cream cheese (8 oz)
-1/4 cup mayo
-1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus a little for topping)
-1/2 cup grated white cheddar (plus a little for topping)
-1 clove garlic, grated
-1 tsp. dry mustard
-1 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
-2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning (I recommend low sodium O.B. and using the full 2 tsp, but if you only have regular start with 1 tsp and add more to taste)
-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you like a bigger kick)
-2 Tbsp chives, chopped
-1 cup lump crab meat
-salt and black pepper, to taste
Method:
1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature (use microwave if you need to, as long as the cheese is unwrapped and in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Stir mayo, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, mustard, worcestershire, Old Bay, cayenne, and chives into the cream cheese. Taste before adding any additional salt or pepper.
3. Gently fold crab meat into cheese mixture. Spoon dip into a baking dish, smooth out the top and cover with more cheddar and parmesan.
4. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the cheese on top is browned. Serve with warm baguette slices, crackers, or crostini.
My favorite crab is this. Perfect.
Carrie — December 31, 2014Mine too probably - though crab cakes are pretty great too.
courtney — January 6, 2015Um, yes please! I'll take the whole bowl :) Hope you feel better soon -- have a happy (and healthy!) New Year!
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet — December 31, 2014Thanks April! If you get the chance to make it let me know what you think!
courtney — January 6, 2015you are such a blog warrior - posting while sick! Feel better pretty!
Caitlin — December 31, 2014Ha! I'm feigning discipline. Fake it 'til you make it right?
courtney — January 6, 2015This crab dip just looks so incredibly addictive and delicious - loving all of it's cheesiness especially. Wish I had a bowl to devour right now!
Thalia @ butter and brioche — January 7, 2015Thanks Thalia! It's rich stuff, but if I'm honest I could probably polish off a batch without much help. Cheeeeeese.
courtney — January 10, 2015YUM! Nothing better than a hot, melt-y dip. It doesn't get much better than that :).
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries — January 7, 2015Right, Annie? Hard to beat cheese, especially when it's spiked with Old Bay and crab!
courtney — January 10, 2015This is basically my go-to recipe, but I add artichoke hearts!
Nicole — October 9, 2015Artichoke hearts are a brilliant addition!
courtney — December 6, 2015How do you buy the crab meat? In the cans? Fresh? Legs and you get it out yourself? Thanks! Looks amazing!!!! Will use it for my ladies annual Christmas party!
Margi — December 5, 2015Hi Margi! My local supermarket sells little containers of hand picked lump crab meat in the seafood section, which I now realize is probably an exclusive perk of living in Maryland. I'm way too lazy to pick crab meat for dip. Back when I lived in Utah I was able to find little plastic tubs of Philips brand lump crab meat at Costco, which worked really well. If you don't see any at your local supermarket I'd try Costco or Sam's Club or whatever club type store you have near you. It's pricey stuff, so if you don't see yourself using up the whole tub, You can make a double batch of dip and freeze some for later (defrost overnight in the fridge and heat like the recipe says). I hope that is helpful!
courtney — December 6, 2015How big is your baking dish? I have a lot of company coming for Christmas Eve. I am wondering if I will need to double this recipe! It looks delicious and I am drooling over my computer!
Betsy — December 10, 2015Hi Betsy! I'd definitely recommend doubling the recipe for a big crowd. My dish here was mini (about 5 inches round) and it held a half batch. A whole batch would probably serve 6-8 as a hearty appetizer. You'll want more baguettes or crackers to go with all that dip too. Hope that helps!
courtney — December 15, 2015This is now a holiday staple for all family/friend parties! Thanks for the perfect dip. My family and friends thank you, too. Pinterest brought me to you :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Michaela — December 19, 2015Michaela, thanks for the comment! I love hearing my recipes work for people. I'm making a few batches for family and friends this season too! Cheers, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you!
courtney — December 19, 2015[…] image via Sweet Salty Tart […]
10 Spicy Crab Recipes That Every Seafood Lover Will Enjoy — September 19, 2016