Austin Stephens
Crab dip is a simple dish that can be made in a variety of ways, including hot or cold, and served with bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetables. The Greene Turtle sports bar in Hampton is known for its crab dip, which is made with blue crab, cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings. The dip is served with Bavarian pretzels or sourdough bread. Other recipes for crab dip include using lump crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese. This dip can be served hot or cold and is the perfect appetizer or side dish for parties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Ingredients | 1 lb fresh lump crab meat, 1 Tbsp Old Bay seafood seasoning, 2 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese |
| Cooking Method | Combine ingredients in a microwave-safe dish, top with cheese, and microwave or bake |
| Serving Suggestions | Tortilla chips or crackers |
| Variations | Can be served hot or cold, can be made in a crockpot or bread bowl |
What You'll Learn
Crab meat: lump, claw, or canned
Crab meat is a key ingredient in crab dip, and there are several types to choose from. The choice of crab meat can depend on the intended dish, its presentation, and the desired flavour. Crab meat can be purchased either whole or pre-picked. Pre-picked crab meat is more convenient and saves time, but it is more expensive.
Lump crab meat is made up of broken pieces of jumbo lump crab meat and large chunks of body meat. It is the most expensive type of crab meat after colossal and jumbo crab meat. It is often used in fine dining and restaurant-quality crab cakes, as it holds together well with minimal binders. It is also commonly used in dishes where appearance matters, such as when stuffing fish, chicken, or vegetables. Lump crab meat is a good choice for crab dip as it has a superb flavour and bright colour.
Claw crab meat is a more affordable option and has a stronger flavour profile. It is brown in colour and works well in dishes with heavy sauces or dips, as the flavour of the crab still comes through. Claw crab meat is ideal for soups, crabmeat stuffing, tacos, and stir-fries.
Canned crab meat is also an option, but it is not as highly regarded as fresh crab meat. It is often found in small shelf-stable cans in the canned fish aisle. Canned crab meat can be used if fresh crab meat is not available, but it may not provide the same flavour or texture as lump or claw crab meat.
When making crab dip, it is important to consider the desired flavour and texture. Lump crab meat will provide a delicate flavour and elegant appearance, while claw crab meat will offer a stronger flavour that can stand up to other ingredients. Ultimately, the choice of crab meat depends on personal preference and the specific recipe being followed.
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Cream cheese: regular or light
When making crab dip, you can use either regular or light cream cheese. Regular cream cheese is higher in fat and calories, while light cream cheese has a lower fat and calorie content. Both types will work well in the dip and will result in a creamy and tasty dish.
If you choose to use regular cream cheese, you will need to pay attention to the temperature and not overcook it. As Eric Williams, managing partner of the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, notes, "You can't overlook it and you can't overcook it. In a pot on the stove, you've got to melt it down just right to incorporate the blue crabs." Overcooking the cream cheese can result in a dip with the wrong texture.
On the other hand, light cream cheese is a good option if you are looking for a healthier alternative or if you prefer a lighter texture in your dip. Light cream cheese has a softer consistency and a milder flavour, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in the crab dip.
When preparing the crab dip, you will need to combine the cream cheese with other ingredients such as mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. You can also add in some shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce to taste. The dip can be served hot or cold, and it is best to chill the dip before serving if you are going for the cold option.
Overall, the choice between regular or light cream cheese is a matter of personal preference and dietary considerations. Both types will result in a delicious and creamy crab dip, so feel free to experiment and see which one you prefer!
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Spices: Old Bay, garlic powder, hot sauce
Spices are an essential component of any crab dip, and Old Bay, garlic powder, and hot sauce are three classic choices.
Old Bay is a seasoning blend that is commonly used in seafood dishes, particularly crab dishes like crab dips. It typically includes celery salt, black pepper, and paprika, among other spices, and is known for its distinctive yellow packaging. In a crab dip, it adds a savoury, slightly spicy kick that enhances the flavour of the crab.
Garlic powder is another popular spice used in crab dip. It provides a strong garlic flavour without the need to mince or chop fresh garlic cloves. Garlic powder blends seamlessly into the dip, adding a savoury, pungent kick that complements the other ingredients.
Hot sauce is an excellent way to add a spicy kick to crab dip. Depending on the specific hot sauce used, it can contribute not only heat but also a tangy, savoury, or even slightly sweet flavour. Adding hot sauce to crab dip is a great way to elevate the dish and customise it to your taste preferences.
When making a crab dip, the spices are typically combined with a creamy base, such as cream cheese, mayonnaise, and/or sour cream. This mixture is then blended with the crab meat and any other desired ingredients, such as shredded cheese, before being baked until hot and bubbly. The result is a delicious, savoury dip with a creamy texture and a blend of flavours that complement the crab.
Feel free to adjust the amounts of Old Bay, garlic powder, and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other spices and seasonings, such as ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, or fresh herbs, to create a unique and personalised crab dip.
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Cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan
Crab dip is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold and is perfect for parties, game days, or holidays. The Greene Turtle's signature crab dip has inspired many variations, and cheese is a key ingredient in achieving the perfect gooey texture and balanced flavour. Here are some tips and instructions for incorporating cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese into your green turtle crab dip:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for crab dip, adding a sharp, tangy flavour. When selecting cheddar, opt for shredded sharp cheddar cheese to ensure optimal melting and blending with the other ingredients. Here's how you can incorporate it into your dip:
- Ingredients: For a standard-sized batch, you will need 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. You can adjust this amount based on your preference for cheesiness. Other ingredients include cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, and fresh crab meat.
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency. Next, add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce to the mixture, blending until smooth.
- Baking: Spread the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or similar-sized baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. This extra layer of cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serving: Crab dip is best served warm. Accompany it with slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or chopped cold vegetables. For a fun presentation, consider serving the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, using the removed bread pieces for dipping.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is another excellent option for crab dip, known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted. Here's how to incorporate it into your recipe:
- Ingredients: For a standard-sized batch, you'll need 1 pound of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can adjust this amount based on your preference. Other ingredients include cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, crabmeat, and hot sauce.
- Preparation: Start by combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a large pot over low heat. Stir the mixture frequently until the cream cheese has melted and all the ingredients are well blended. Next, fold in the crabmeat gently until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Baking: Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes.
- Cheese Topping: Remove the baking pan from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for colour. Return the pan to the oven, and bake until the cheese has thoroughly melted, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Serving: Crab dip with mozzarella cheese pairs well with pretzel rolls or celery sticks. For a heartier option, serve it with Bavarian pretzels or crostini.
Parmesan Cheese
While the previous instructions focus on cheddar and mozzarella, you can also experiment with parmesan cheese in your crab dip. Parmesan has a more pronounced flavour and a harder texture, so you may want to grate it finely and use it in combination with one of the other cheeses. Parmesan can add a savoury, umami note to your dip, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
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Serve with: bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
Crab dip is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Here are some ideas and instructions for serving this delicious dip:
Bread
Slices of sourdough bread are a fantastic option to serve with crab dip. The slight tang of sourdough complements the savoury taste of the crab dip perfectly. For an extra special touch, try toasting the sourdough slices lightly before serving, enhancing the bread's natural crunch. Alternatively, you can serve the crab dip in a bread bowl, which makes for a fun and edible serving dish. To create this, simply hollow out a large round loaf of sourdough, leaving about an inch of bread around the inside edges. Fill the hollowed-out section with the crab dip and bake as directed. Don't forget to save the removed bread pieces for dipping!
Crackers
An assortment of crackers can be the perfect vessel for enjoying crab dip. Ritz crackers are a popular choice, offering a neutral flavour and a satisfying crunch. For a more rustic option, try crostini—toasted slices of bread, typically made from a French or Italian loaf. These provide a sturdy base for the dip and can add a nice textural contrast.
Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are another excellent choice for dipping into crab dip. They provide a crisp and salty contrast to the creamy dip. For a more colourful and flavourful option, try blue corn tortilla chips, which have a slightly nuttier taste. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own tortilla chips by cutting tortillas into triangles and baking them until crispy. This allows you to control the thickness and seasoning of your chips.
No matter which of these options you choose, or even if you decide to offer a variety, your guests are sure to enjoy the delicious combination of crab dip with bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Each option provides a different texture and flavour experience, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combination!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, hot sauce, lemon juice, and shredded cheddar cheese.
For the crab dip base, you will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of green onion, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. For the crab meat mixture, you will need 1 pound of fresh jumbo lump crab meat and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For the topping, you can use the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
It is recommended to use fresh jumbo lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. However, if you cannot find fresh crab meat, you can use canned crab meat or even imitation crab meat as a last resort.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, combine the crab meat with 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the cream cheese mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
You can serve the crab dip warm with slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or chopped cold vegetables. For a fun presentation, you can also serve it in a bread bowl by baking the dip inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread and using the removed bread pieces for dipping.
