Hot Crab Dip

Last night, on a whim, I decided that I would bring my co-workers a treat.  Since they always ask me to make either hot crab dip or broken-glass JELL-O®, I decided that I would surprise them by making the hot crab dip.  I normally serve this as an appetizer at a party or pot luck, but for the office it's great to have as a mid-morning or late afternoon snack.

This dip is so easy to make.  The preparation time is only 10 - 15 minutes.  The rest is baking time.  I prepared this last night and popped it in the oven while I was getting ready for work this morning.  It goes great with garlic toast, crackers or lavosh, but really, it goes well with almost anything.

Hot Crab Dip

2 8-ounce packages imitation crab sticks*
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes**
1 quart mayonaisse
2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup minced Maui onion***

*An equivalent amount of canned or fresh crab meat may be used.
**Half a bunch of chopped cilantro may be used.
***Optional.  I omitted the onions since not everyone likes them.  If Maui onions are not available, any sweet onion variety will do (i.e. Vidalia).  Other optional additions include chopped jalapeño peppers or Tabasco® sauce for some spiciness (if using either one, you should omit the fresh ground black pepper), and/or chopped artichoke hearts.

Begin by pre-heating your oven to 350°F.

Then, shred (chop) the imitation crab sticks.  I normally cut the sticks in half, then chop lengthwise into matchstick-size pieces.  Set aside.

In a 2-quart baking dish (casserole dish), combine the mayonaisse, garlic, parsley, onions and black pepper.  Mix until well incorporated.  Fold in the cheeses and shredded crab sticks.

Last, pop your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly brown on top.  Serve while hot!

Now it's time to sit back and enjoy!

Comments

[husky9]

this look better than the common dip...yumyum....

[anthony]

imitation crab sticks are, with deep fried cheese sausages, on the list of things I shouldn't love but do.

Love the colours in the dip.

[santos]

it's like a faux-thermidor!

[Linda]

Looks great! You've intrigued me with your mention of broken-glass Jell-O. I didn't see anything else about it on your site when I just searched. Any chance you'd share the recipe for that or at least a photo? I'm curious about what that is...especially since your co-workers like it enough to request it from you. Great site!

[Reid]

Hi husky9,

Long time no hear! I think this is one of my favorite dips, although it's very fattening. That's why I don't make it too often.

Hi Anthony,

I like imitation crab sticks too, but yeah I think you're probably right. When looking at the label on the package, it seems to have a lot of sodium. Perhaps this has MSG in it!

BTW...that's why I use cheddar cheese and crab sticks. The combination of colors makes this more appetizing.

Hi Santos,

Faux is right...I would take a lobster (or seafood) thermidor any day!

Hi Linda,

Welcome and thanks for the compliment. I'm planning on doing a post on the broken-glass JELL-O® in a couple of weeks and will be glad to share the recipe and some pictures with you. =) Hope to see you again!

[jmacam]

crabstick adobo anyone? best topped with sunny sidup egg.