Decadent Creamy Crab Dip
Recreate the unforgettable flavor of Jack Astor's Crab Dip right in your kitchen with this delightful copycat recipe. This creamy and rich appetizer combines succulent crab meat with sautéed vegetables and melty cheese, creating an irresistible dip that is perfect for gatherings, parties, or holiday celebrations. The simplicity of preparation belies the gourmet taste, making it a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy it warm with crunchy nacho chips or crispy pita bread for a delightful texture contrast. Share the love and laughter this holiday season with a dish that's bound to impress!
15
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
2 packages (6 ounces each) (softened)
Onion
1 medium (minced)
Red Bell Pepper
1/2 (minced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
White Mushrooms
10 (minced)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (for mixing)
Crabmeat
1 (6-ounce) can (drained (I used Victoria brand))
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
for topping (to sprinkle on top before baking)
Nacho Chips
as needed (for serving)
Pita Bread
as needed (toasted and cut into triangles for serving)
Chopped Parsley
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the minced onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened and fragrant.
2
Add the minced bell pepper and mushrooms; cook until all the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3
In a mixing bowl, use a spoon or spatula to soften the cream cheese until smooth.
4
Once the sautéed vegetables have cooled, add them to the cream cheese along with the drained crab meat and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully combined.
5
Transfer the dip mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to a day in advance).
6
To prepare for serving, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
Spread the dip evenly into a shallow ovenproof baking dish and top generously with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Warm the dip in the microwave for a few minutes to begin warming it through.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is slightly bubbling and the top is golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish if desired.
11
Serve warm, placing the dip bowl on a platter surrounded by nacho chips and toasted pita points.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
12g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Creamy Crab Dip?
It is a rich appetizer that recreates the flavor of Jack Astor's Crab Dip using crab meat, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is a copycat recipe specifically designed to mimic the taste of the crab dip served at Jack Astor's.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 15 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include cream cheese, minced onion, red bell pepper, garlic, white mushrooms, shredded cheddar, and canned crabmeat.
How many calories are in one serving of this dip?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this crab dip contain?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
What amount of carbohydrates is in a serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the vegetables for the dip?
The onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and mushrooms should all be minced and sautéed until they are tender.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
What type of crabmeat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of drained crabmeat, specifically suggesting the Victoria brand.
What kind of cheese is used in this dip?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used both inside the dip mixture and as a topping before baking.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the crab dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for 15-20 minutes, or until it is slightly bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, the mixture can be prepared and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a day before serving.
What is the purpose of microwaving the dip before baking?
Warming the dip in the microwave for a few minutes helps ensure it heats through evenly once placed in the oven.
What are the best items to serve with the crab dip?
It is ideally served warm with nacho chips or toasted pita bread triangles.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
You can sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the dip for a fresh garnish if desired.
In what order should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the minced onion and garlic first until fragrant, then add the bell pepper and mushrooms.
How many mushrooms are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 minced white mushrooms.
What color bell pepper is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a minced red bell pepper.
What size packages of cream cheese are needed?
You will need two 6-ounce packages of cream cheese.
Can I use different types of bread for serving?
While pita bread is recommended, you can use any toasted bread points or crackers you prefer.
How do I prepare the pita bread for serving?
The pita bread should be toasted and then cut into triangles or 'points'.
Is this crab dip served warm or cold?
This dip is designed to be served warm and bubbling straight from the oven.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is classified under the Spreads category.
How much cheddar cheese is mixed into the dip itself?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used for the internal mixture.
Is there a specific mushroom type mentioned?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for white mushrooms.
What type of baking dish is best for this dip?
A shallow ovenproof baking dish is best to ensure the dip is heated evenly and has a large surface area for the cheese topping.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, its gourmet taste and crowd-pleasing nature make it perfect for holiday celebrations and gatherings.