Irresistibly Hot Crab Dip Recipe

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, and salt.

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the onions are caramelized.

Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl to cool completely.

Using a fine-mesh strainer, drain crab meat over a bowl.

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, hot sauce, Old Bay, and lemon juice.

Using an electric mixer, beat together until well combined.

With a flexible spatula, fold in the onion mixture, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and the crab meat.

Transfer the dip to a 1-quart baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the mixture is just beginning to bubble around the edges and the cheese is melted.

Heat the broiler to low. Broil dip for 3 minutes, until the whole surface is bubbling and browned.

Remove the dip from the oven. Let cool for at least 15 minutes, until set.

Garnish the dip with Old Bay and chives. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, and crostini.