Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crabmeat Dip is a luxurious appetizer that combines tender crabmeat with fragrant garlic and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion, sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, drained and picked through
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: If using frozen crabmeat, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Soften your cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature. Grate your Parmesan cheese, mince your fresh garlic, and measure out your other ingredients.
- Sauté the garlic: In a small skillet, melt about a tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté it gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Season the base: Stir in the sautéed garlic, about three-quarters of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, your seafood seasoning blend, a good pinch of black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the crabmeat: Add the well-drained crabmeat to your creamy mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the crabmeat into the base without breaking up the lumps.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the crabmeat dip mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining reserved Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. Optionally, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes for an extra crispy top.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the hot dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve with your favorite dippers.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Thoroughly drain your crabmeat to avoid a watery dip. Taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasonings. Be gentle when folding in the crabmeat to preserve its texture. For a crispy crust, broil at the end. Serve warm for the best flavor.