Warm Blue Crab Dip Recipe

Preheat and prepare baking dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter or spray a shallow 1-quart baking dish (or small cast-iron skillet) and set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and lump-free.

Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Stir in the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded Monterey Jack until evenly distributed.

Fold in the lump blue crab meat gently, taking care not to break up large pieces of crab. Then fold in the chopped green onions, leaving a few for garnish.

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed (more lemon, salt, or Old Bay). The dip should be well seasoned and slightly tangy.

Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack over the top, then drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cheese to promote browning.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you prefer a deeply browned top, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

Remove from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and the reserved green onions. Serve warm with the Lowcountry Shrimp Dust Chips.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) if you plan to warm the chips briefly; otherwise, you can prepare at room temperature.

In a small bowl, combine the shrimp dust, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Stir to blend evenly.

Place the chips in a large bowl. Drizzle the melted butter or oil over the chips and gently toss with clean hands or tongs to coat evenly without breaking them.

Sprinkle the shrimp dust mixture over the chips a little at a time, tossing gently to distribute. Taste and add a light sprinkle of sea salt and a grind of black pepper if desired. The goal is a light, even coating that enhances — not overpowers — the chips.

If you want the chips slightly warm and extra crisp, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in the 300°F oven for 4–6 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t brown more or break.

Transfer seasoned chips to a serving bowl or platter. Serve immediately alongside the warm blue crab dip.