Maryland Crab Dip

Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

About

The beautiful coastal land of Virginia is known for its history and seafood– crabs, especially. So naturally, Virginia Crab Dip might just be the best seafood-based concoction you've ever dunked a cracker into! One whole pound of fresh, tender lump crab meat swims in a creamy, cheesy sea of flavors that have peppery and smokey hints. Its expensive taste conceals a secret: the ease of dumping and baking these delicious flavors into one big baking pan in a little over 30 minutes. Bring the taste of the sea to you, wherever you are, with some tasty and delightful Virginia Crab Dip!

Ingredients

•                   8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

•                   1/4 cup mayonnaise

•                   1/2 cup sour cream

•                   1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

•                   1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

•                   1 teaspoon lemon juice

•                   1 3/4 teaspoons Old Bay™ seasoning

•                   2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

•                   hot sauce, optional, to taste

•                   1 pound fresh lump crab meat

Directions

Step 1 -

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2 -

In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Using an electric mixer will ensure the smoothest texture.

Step 3 -

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of cheese, ground mustard, Old Bay™ seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

Step 4 -

If using the hot sauce, taste for desired heat.

Step 5 -

Fold the crab meat into the mayonnaise mixture using a spoon or rubber spatula.

Step 6 -

Transfer the dip to a 9-inch baking pan, 9-inch pie dish, or 9-inch oven-safe skillet.

Step 7 -

Top the dip with the remaining cheese.

Step 8 -

Bake the dip until hot and bubbly around the edges, about 25 minutes.

Step 9 -

Serve warm.