Ingredients:

  • 8 oz block Cream Cheese, full-fat, completely softened
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise, high-quality
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche, full-fat
  • 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco), optional
  • 1/2 tsp Fresh Black Pepper
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives, finely snipped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1 lb Lump Crab Meat, thoroughly drained and picked through

Instructions:

  1. Soften the Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature. Place the softened cream cheese in the large mixing bowl.
  2. Create the Creamy Base: Add the mayonnaise and sour cream (or crème fraîche) to the bowl.
  3. Whip: Using a rubber spatula or electric mixer (on low), beat or stir the ingredients until they are completely smooth and homogenous. Ensure no lumps of cream cheese remain.
  4. Add Wet Seasoning: Incorporate the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well until fully combined.
  5. Add Dry Seasoning: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and half of the kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Taste Test: Sample the base mixture and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Remember, the flavors will intensify during chilling.
  7. Add Herbs: Fold in the chopped chives and dill, reserving a small amount of each for garnish.
  8. Drain the Crab: Gently squeeze any excess liquid from the lump crab meat (using paper towels or a fine-mesh sieve).
  9. Fold the Crab: Add the drained crab meat to the seasoned base. Use the rubber spatula to gently fold the crab into the mixture. Do not stir vigorously, as this will break up the lumps.
  10. Chill: Transfer the dip to the serving dish (or cover the mixing bowl tightly). Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, ideally 2 hours, to allow the flavors to deepen and the dip to firm up.
  11. Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved fresh herbs and a light dusting of Old Bay over the top for visual appeal.
  12. Serve: Serve chilled with accompanying dippers such as sturdy water biscuits, bagel chips, or crudités.