Appetizer > Seafood Appetizers > Crab Appetizers

Old Bay Crab Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much.

4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth out the top.

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

6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 315
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 15g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lump crab meat can be substituted with canned crab meat or imitation crab meat.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Substitute Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a spicier dip.
- Top the dip with shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Drain the crab meat well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Use a baking dish that is shallow enough to allow the dip to cook evenly.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers 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:
- Serve the dip in a decorative bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with additional Old Bay seasoning or chopped parsley.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Old Bay seasoning
- Shredded cheddar cheese

Pairings:
- Crackers
- Bread
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers)

Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a little more sour cream or mayonnaise to thin it out.
- If the dip is too runny, add more cream cheese or Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the dip to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Old Bay seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that was first created in Baltimore, Maryland in 1939.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Salty
- Spicy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings.
- Serve as a side dish with seafood or grilled meats.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Creamy, Aromatic