2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay®
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
6 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided
salt to taste
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 pound lump crab meat
Method
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, seafood seasoning, paprika, hot sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and 4 ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly and adjust the seasoning with salt.
Gently fold in chopped green onions and crab meat using a spatula until everything is well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a suitable baking dish or a deep pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese on top, along with a dash of cayenne for added flavor.
Place the dish in the hot oven and bake until the dip is bubbling and hot, which should take about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
For an extra touch, garnish with additional green onions and a sprinkle of cayenne if you like it spicy.
