Description
This delicious homemade crab dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a snack. Made with fresh lump crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, and zesty lemon juice, it’s seasoned with Old Bay and garnished with green onions and fresh parsley. Serve chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Dip Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Crab Meat (Use high-quality crab meat, preferably lump or backfin.)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature.)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Full-fat recommended for best consistency.)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Good-quality mayonnaise enhances flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best taste.)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Finely chopped, added at the end for crunch.)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (Adjust according to taste preference.)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (For seasoning.)
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley (For garnish, optional.)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them out to ensure a smooth and organized preparation process.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Blend together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a perfect base for the dip.
- Add Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the cream cheese mixture and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated, enhancing richness and flavor.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice to add a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
- Fold in Crab Meat: Gently fold in the fresh crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps to maintain texture and visual appeal.
- Season the Dip: Add Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the dip.
- Add Green Onions: Fold in finely chopped green onions to add a fresh crunch and subtle sharpness. Adjust seasoning if necessary after tasting.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the crab dip to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows flavors to meld and improves the texture.
- Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the dip with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
- Serve: Serve chilled with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced fresh vegetables for an inviting appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use fresh lump or backfin crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Softening the cream cheese to room temperature ensures easier mixing and a smooth dip.
- Refrigeration time is essential for flavor melding; don’t skip chilling.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice to suit your personal taste preferences.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
