Infamous Crab Dip
A creamy, flavorful crab dip with chives and a hint of spice, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings, paired with crackers or chips for dipping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine crabmeat, cream cheese with chives, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and red pepper sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into a small ovenproof baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm with crackers or chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. If you're short on crabmeat, you can substitute with canned shrimp or a mix of seafood. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh herbs like dill. This dip can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab dip warm with an assortment of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a more substantial appetizer, consider serving it alongside a seafood platter or as part of a spread featuring Baked Eggplant And Crabmeat and other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crab dip in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Infamous Crab Dip contains roughly 66 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% 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 use fresh crab instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will enhance the flavor and quality of the dip. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will give the dip a more vibrant taste and texture.
Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
What can I serve with the crab dip?
The crab dip pairs well with a variety of dippers like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crunchy celery sticks. For a more luxurious experience, consider serving it alongside seafood recipes or as part of a larger 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).