Extra Bread For Crab Dip Recipe

Prepare oven and pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Choose an ovenproof shallow baking dish or cast-iron skillet about 8–9 inches across; lightly grease with a teaspoon of butter or oil.

Soften and mix base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a rubber spatula or electric mixer until smooth and no large lumps remain (about 1–2 minutes). Add the mayonnaise and sour cream and mix until fully incorporated and creamy.

Add cheeses and seasonings

Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar until evenly distributed. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay, black pepper, and sea salt. Taste and adjust seasoning (add up to an extra 1/4 tsp salt or 1/4 tsp Old Bay if desired).

Fold in crab

Gently fold the lump crabmeat into the cheese mixture using a spatula, taking care not to break up the lumps too much. Ensure crab is evenly distributed throughout the dip.

Bake

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. For a browned top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Finish

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the top just before serving. Transfer to a serving platter if desired.

Slice the bread

Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette or loaf on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch (1–1.5 cm) thick slices. Arrange slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.

Prepare garlic butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and coarse sea salt. If you like, stir in the chopped parsley for color. Let sit for 1–2 minutes so garlic softens into the butter.

Brush and toast

Brush one side of each bread slice with the garlic butter mixture. Place the slices garlic-butter-side-up under the oven broiler (or on the middle rack if baking) for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges. If you prefer both sides crisp, flip and brush the other side lightly and toast an additional 30–60 seconds. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Alternative: Toast in oven

Alternatively, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the bread slices for 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden, flipping once halfway through.

Serve

Arrange warm toasted bread on a platter around the baked crab dip. Offer extra room-temperature slices for guests who prefer softer bread.