Baked Crab Dip with Penny Panko Crunch

Get ready to indulge with this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying crab dip! Made with lump crab meat, a hint of Marsala wine, and topped with crunchy Panko crumbs, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for game days, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this ultimate crab dip recipe!

Ingredients for a Savory, Cheesy Crab Dip

• Butter Base:
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• Thickener & Seasoning:
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (for that signature crab dip flavor)
• Creamy & Flavorful Additions:
• 1 cup heavy cream (warmed in the microwave)
• 1 finely chopped shallot
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons dry Marsala win
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives
• Main Attraction:
• 8 ounces lump crabmeat (fresh is best, but canned works too!)
• Cheesy Goodness:
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Topping:
• ½ cup Penny Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions for Making the Ultimate Crab Dip

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 1-quart baking dish or an 8x8-inch dish to keep the dip from sticking.
2. Sauté the Shallots: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Create a Flavorful Base:
• Stir in the flour, dry mustard, and Old Bay seasoning, whisking for about a minute.
• Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream, adding a little at a time and whisking between each addition until the mixture is thick and creamy.
4. Add the Magic Touch:
• Add Marsala wine and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
• Remove from heat, and gently fold in the crabmeat, cheddar cheese, and half of the chives. Season with salt to taste, then spread the mixture evenly into your baking dish.
5. Crunchy Penny Panko Topping: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the Panko bread crumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well with a fork, then sprinkle evenly over the crab dip.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the Panko topping is golden brown.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining chives, and serve warm with your favorite dippers – crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies!

Tips for the Perfect Crab Dip

• Adding Cream: Gradually add the cream to the flour mixture, whisking in between to keep the sauce smooth.
• Checking the Crab: Fresh crab may have small shell fragments, so be sure to double-check it before mixing.

This rich, savory crab dip with a hint of Marsala and a crispy Penny Panko topping is guaranteed to be a hit – you might even want to double the recipe!

Stay Cheesin'!

Recipe adapted from butterandbaggage.com.