This flavorful crab dip with a kick of pepper jack cheese is a quick and easy appetizer that can be prepared in your slow cooker. With fat-free cream cheese, fresh crab meat, and a blend of herbs and spices, it’s a creamy and delicious dip that will be a hit at any gathering.
To make hot crab dip, you will need crabmeat (either fresh or canned), cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning), green onions, and optional ingredients like hot sauce or diced jalapeños for added heat.
First, the cream cheese is softened and combined with mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onions. This mixture creates the creamy and flavorful base of the dip.
The crabmeat is gently folded into the cream cheese mixture. If using fresh crabmeat, make sure to pick through it to remove any shell pieces. Canned crabmeat can be used as well, ensuring it is drained well before adding it to the dip.
Optional ingredients like hot sauce or diced jalapeños can be added for an extra kick of heat and flavor. Adjust these ingredients to your taste preference.
The hot crab dip mixture is transferred to a baking dish and spread evenly. The dip is then baked in the oven until it is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden and slightly crusty.
Once baked, the hot crab dip is ready to be served. It can be enjoyed with a variety of dippables, such as toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetable crudites. The creamy and flavorful combination of the crabmeat, cheeses, and seasonings creates a luxurious and mouthwatering bite.
INGREDIENTS:
- 16 ounces (455 g) fat-free cream cheese
- 4 ounces (115 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ cups (150 g) scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 pound (455 g) crab meat
- ½ cup (120 ml) skim milk
PREPARATION:
- In a slow cooker, combine the fat-free cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chopped scallions, fresh parsley, crab meat, and skim milk.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the dip reaches the desired consistency. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heating.
- Once the dip is hot and creamy, it is ready to be served.
Yield: 16 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 60 g water
- 123 calories
- 55% from fat
- 34% from protein
- 11% from carbs
- 10 g protein
- 7 g total fat
- 5 g saturated fat
- 2 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 3 g carbs
- 0 g fiber
- 1 g sugar
- 150 mg phosphorus
- 127 mg calcium
- 1 mg iron
- 216 mg sodium
- 194 mg potassium
- 437 IU vitamin A
- 70 mg ATE vitamin E
- 5 mg vitamin C
- 44 mg cholesterol
Note: The nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Hot crab dip is a versatile appetizer that can be customized to your preference. You can experiment with different types of crabmeat, such as lump crabmeat or claw meat, to vary the texture and flavor. Additionally, you can add your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the dip’s taste.
In summary, hot crab dip is a rich and indulgent appetizer that showcases the delicate flavors of crabmeat in a creamy and cheesy dip. Whether served at special occasions or casual gatherings, this dip is sure to impress. Its versatility and customization options make it a fantastic choice for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a luxurious and flavorful appetizer.
