Peabody Hot Crab Dip
Creamy and savory crab dip with a hint of spice, perfect for gatherings and seafood lovers seeking a rich, flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. softened Philly cream cheese ⓘ
- 24 oz. lump back crab meat ⓘ
- 1 1/2 stalks celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 small white onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- salt
- Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 small jars marinated artichokes, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté white onion, green onion, garlic, and celery in butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with softened cream cheese and mix well.
- Add 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons black pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Add chopped artichokes along with 1/2 cup of their marinade; mix well.
- Fold in mayonnaise and 4 shakes of Tabasco sauce.
- Gently fold in heavy cream or half and half and lump crab meat, being careful not to break the lumps.
- Place the mixture in a chafing dish for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with sour cream. If you want a bit more heat, add extra Tabasco sauce to taste. You can also use fresh crab if available, as it enhances the flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked crab meat can be used. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure the best flavor balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Peabody Hot Crab Dip warm with assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Dip (Low-Fat Recipe) for a delightful appetizer spread. Consider adding a fresh vegetable platter for crunch and color. For a complete meal, it can be accompanied by a light salad or seafood recipes like Zesty Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dip rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peabody Hot Crab Dip contains roughly 722 calories, with 11g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2693mg per serving (117% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
If you prefer a different seafood option, you can substitute the lump crab meat with cooked shrimp or even shredded chicken for a non-seafood version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the new protein.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To increase the heat, add more Tabasco sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).