Mardi Gras Crab Dip (Printer-friendly)
A creamy, zesty blend with fresh crab, peppers, and spices for festive gatherings and party spreads.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
→ Dairy
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream
04 - 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
05 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
06 - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
→ Spices & Condiments
09 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
15 - Hot sauce, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
17 - Additional green onions, sliced
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Fold in the crab meat, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic, and jalapeño if using.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
05 - Bake for 15 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly.
06 - Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional green onions. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy hits every craving at once
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day on it
02 -
- Cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps no matter how long you mix, so set it out early
- Over mixing the crab turns it mushy, so fold it in gently at the end
03 -
- Spring for good crab meat since it is the star ingredient
- Let the dip rest for five minutes after baking so it sets slightly