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Cajun Crab Dip - Creamy, Spicy, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 cups lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack (plus a little extra for topping, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1–1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for baking dish or skillet, optional)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper or celery (sautéed), 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, a few dashes of Creole mustard
  • For serving: toasted baguette, crackers, toasted pita, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or cucumber slices

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Soften the cream cheese so it mixes easily.
  2. Mix the creamy base. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. A hand mixer makes this quick, but a sturdy spoon works too.
  3. Add flavor. Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne or hot sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. You want it boldly seasoned at this stage.
  4. Fold in crab and cheese. Gently fold in the crab meat, shredded cheese, and green onions. Be careful not to shred the crab too much—bigger pieces are more satisfying.
  5. Optional sauté. If using bell pepper or celery, quickly sauté in a bit of butter with a pinch of salt until tender. Fold into the dip with the parsley if using.
  6. Transfer and top. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle on a little extra cheese if you like.
  7. Bake. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden. Don’t overbake or the dip can separate.
  8. Garnish and serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra green onion or parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.