Maryland Hot Crab Dip

Ingredients

• 1 lb backfin crabmeat
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Crackers and toasted baguette for serving

Before you cook

• Heat the oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart baking dish.
• Let the cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes to soften.
• Pick through the crabmeat for shell.
• Shred the cheddar and slice the scallions.

Steps

1. Beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream together in a large bowl until completely smooth.
2. Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, Old Bay, and cayenne.
3. Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar and most of the scallions, saving some green tops for the finish.
4. Fold in the crabmeat with a light hand so it stays in pieces.
5. Scrape the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the surface.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the rim and lightly browned on top.
8. Sprinkle the reserved scallion greens and an extra pinch of Old Bay over the dip.
9. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot with crackers and toasted baguette.