Crab and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
- 1 lb. lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking dish or oven-safe serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Parmesan cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, celery, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

4. Gently fold in the lump crab meat until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Transfer the dip to a baking dish or oven-safe serving dish.

7. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

8. Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- You can use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat for a more affordable option.

Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Add diced tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Drain the crab meat well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Serve the dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Presentation ideas:
- Garnish the dip with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve the dip in a bread bowl for a fun and creative presentation.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Chopped green onions

Pairings:
- Serve the dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the dip is too thin, add more cream cheese or sour cream to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store any leftover dip in the refrigerator to avoid foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Crab dip is a popular appetizer in the United States, particularly in coastal regions where crab is abundant.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Savory
- Tangy
- Fresh

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dip as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
- Enjoy the dip as a snack while watching a movie or game.

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Taste: Creamy, Savory, Tangy, Rich, Crabby