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Slow-Cooker Creamy Crab Dip

Source of Recipe

"The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook" by America's Test Kitchen


Recipe Introduction

"Warm crab dip is a decadent party pleaser and an especially convenient option when made in a slow cooker, which will keep it warm for several hours and even double as a serving vessel. For a dip that tasted first and foremost of crab, we included a full pound of crabmeat and limited the amount of filler. Patting the crabmeat dry was key to ensuring that the dip was creamy but not watery, and adding some traditional Old Bay seasoning balanced the sweet richness of the crabmeat. We tried adding raw onions to the slow cooker but they never turned tender, so we softened them first in the microwave. A combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise gave the dip mild tanginess and rich texture. Finishing with a sprinkle of chives instead of the traditional cheese layer gave our creamy dip a lighter, fresher flavor. You will need a 1 ½- to 7-quart slow cooker for this recipe. Do not substitute imitation crabmeat here. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, and/or crostini."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 small onion, chopped fine
â—¦ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
â—¦ 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
â—¦ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
â—¦ ¼ cup mayonnaise
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon pepper
â—¦ 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and pressed dry between paper towels
â—¦ 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives


Recipe

Microwave onion, butter, and Old Bay in large bowl, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pepper until well combined. Gently fold in crabmeat.

For 1 ½- to 5-quart slow cooker: Transfer mixture to slow cooker, cover, and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 hours on low.

For 5 ½- to 7-quart slow cooker: Transfer mixture to 1 ½-quart soufflé dish. Set dish in slow cooker and pour water into slow cooker until it reaches about one-third up sides of dish (about 2 cups water). Cover and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 hours on low. Remove dish from slow cooker, if desired.

Gently stir to recombine. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
(Dip can be held on warm or low setting for up to 2 hours.)

Serves 6 to 8