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Warm Crab Dip in a Bread Bowl


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

This warm crab dip in a bread bowl is a rich and savory appetizer made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning. Baked inside a crusty bread bowl, it’s an irresistible party dish served with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crab Dip:

  • 8 oz lump crab meat, drained
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Bread Bowl:

  • 1 large sourdough boule
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Slice the top off the sourdough boule and hollow out the center, leaving a 1-inch thick border.
  3. Cut the removed bread into bite-sized cubes for dipping.
  4. Lightly brush the inside of the bread bowl with olive oil or melted butter.
  5. Place the bowl and bread pieces on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Crab Dip

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
  2. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice.
  3. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, keeping some chunks intact.
  4. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bake the Dip

  1. Spoon the crab dip mixture into the toasted bread bowl.
  2. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  3. Optional: Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a crispier finish.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
  3. Serve with toasted bread cubes, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • For a spicier dip, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • To make ahead, prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.
  • If the dip is too thick, stir in a little milk or sour cream before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American