Savory Dungeness Crab & Cheese Spread
Indulge in this delightful Savory Dungeness Crab & Cheese Spread that elevates any gathering. Featuring tender Dungeness crabmeat blended with smooth cream cheese and tangy sour cream, this dip is a symphony of flavors. Infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of cayenne, it's perfect for serving hot, where it's gooey and warm, or cold for a refreshing treat. Serve it alongside crispy peppered toasted French bread, made to golden perfection, and experience the coastal delight of this easy-to-make dish. Ideal for parties or special occasions, it can even be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
62.5
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
sour cream
2 tablespoons
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fresh Dungeness crabmeat
5 ounces
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
French bread
1 loaf
butter
as needed (melted)
coarsely ground cracked peppercorn
as needed
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the French bread into 1/4-inch pieces and then cut each slice in half. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet.
3
Brush each piece with melted butter and generously sprinkle with coarsely ground cracked peppercorn, gently pressing to adhere.
4
Toast the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they're lightly golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic clove, fresh Dungeness crabmeat, finely grated Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix vigorously until well combined and smooth.
6
Lightly butter two 4 oz. (1/2 cup) ramekins. Divide the crab mixture between them, pressing lightly to fill.
7
If preparing ahead of time, cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
8
When ready to serve, uncover the ramekins and bake the crab dips in the oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the tops are lightly browned.
9
Serve the warm crab dip on a plate along with the toasted French bread and a pate knife for spreading.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Dungeness Crab & Cheese Spread?
It is a delightful appetizer featuring tender Dungeness crabmeat blended with cream cheese, sour cream, aromatic garlic, and a hint of cayenne, served with peppered toasted French bread.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, Dungeness crabmeat, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, French bread, butter, and cracked peppercorn.
What type of crab is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 ounces of fresh Dungeness crabmeat for the best coastal flavor.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the dip.
How do I prepare the French bread for dipping?
Slice the bread into 1/4-inch pieces, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cracked peppercorn, and toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I make this crab spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture, fill the ramekins, and keep them refrigerated under plastic wrap until you are ready to bake.
How long does the crab dip need to bake?
The dip should bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the tops are lightly browned.
What size containers should I use for baking?
The recipe recommends using two 4 oz. (1/2 cup) ramekins.
Can this spread be served cold?
While it is delicious served hot and gooey, it can also be served cold for a refreshing treat.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 62.5 calories, 4g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 2.5g of protein.
Is this crab dip spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle hint of heat without being overly spicy.
What kind of cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses softened cream cheese as the base and a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
How do I ensure the peppercorns stick to the bread?
After brushing the bread with melted butter, sprinkle the peppercorns and gently press them to adhere to the surface.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it uses one minced garlic clove for an aromatic flavor profile.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix vigorously until the consistency is well combined and smooth.
Should the ramekins be greased?
Yes, you should lightly butter the ramekins before dividing the crab mixture between them.
What tags describe this dish?
Common tags include crab dip, Dungeness crab, appetizer, party food, seafood spread, and baked dip.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make dish that is ideal for parties or special occasions.
What type of bread is recommended?
A loaf of French bread is recommended, sliced and toasted to golden perfection.
How much crabmeat is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of Dungeness crabmeat.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, which you can adjust to your personal taste.
Does the recipe contain fiber or sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, the fiber and sugar content are negligible or null.
How should I serve the finished dish?
Serve the warm ramekins on a plate with the toasted French bread and a pate knife for easy spreading.
Can I substitute sour cream?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sour cream for tanginess, but you could likely use Greek yogurt as a substitute if needed.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced into approximately 1/4-inch pieces.
What gives the bread its specific flavor?
The bread is flavored with melted butter and coarsely ground cracked peppercorns.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, cheesy, and savory nature.
How do I know when the bread is toasted enough?
The bread is ready when it is lightly golden brown and crispy; watch it closely under the broiler to prevent burning.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth spread.
How many ramekins does this recipe fill?
This recipe is designed to fill two 4-ounce ramekins.