Ingredients:
- 8 oz block Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Full-Fat Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tbsp finely minced Shallot
- 1 medium Garlic Clove, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
- Fine Sea Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Grated Melting Cheese (Cheddar/Jack blend)
- 1 lb Lump or Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, thoroughly drained
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1-quart or 1.5-quart ovenproof baking dish and set aside. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, minced shallot, garlic, black pepper, and salt (if needed). Mix thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Fold in the Parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup of the grated melting cheese blend. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheese for the topping.
- Gently fold the drained lump crab meat into the cream mixture. Use a light touch to coat the crab without breaking up the lumps.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, levelling the top slightly.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of grated cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are visibly bubbling and the top is golden brown and crusty. If needed, briefly flash under a hot broiler for 60 seconds to achieve a richer colour (watch closely).
- Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve immediately while piping hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or celery sticks.