Arkansas Hot Cheese Dip
A creamy, cheesy seafood dip with crab, shrimp, and a touch of tomato soup, perfect for parties and served with toast points or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook in a double boiler, adding ingredients in the order given, except the egg.
- Cook for 20 minutes.
- When almost ready, remove from heat and add the beaten egg.
- Serve in a chafing dish with toast points or tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider substituting half of the Cheddar cheese with cream cheese. If you want to lighten it up, you can use low-fat butter and reduced-fat cheese. If you can't find crab meat, feel free to use shredded imitation crab or even diced cooked chicken for a different twist. Ensure the ingredients are mixed well to avoid clumping during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Arkansas Hot Cheese Dip warm, accompanied by toast points or tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh Caesar Salad With Capers for a delightful meal. Consider offering a side of fresh vegetables for a colorful presentation and extra crunch. This dish is perfect for gatherings or game day!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arkansas Hot Cheese Dip contains roughly 1434 calories, with 39g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1670mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. Cooking it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the crab meat and shrimp and replace them with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor. This will create a rich and satisfying vegetarian cheese dip.
What can I serve with the dip besides chips?
In addition to tortilla chips, consider serving the dip with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and celery sticks. These options provide a nice contrast and add extra crunch to your appetizer spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).