Ooooey Goooey Hot and Tasty Crab Dip

While I was shopping for groceries today I was trying to think of an easy treat for us that could serve as a hearty enough snack to tide us over till dinner.  After grocery shopping the last thing I wanted to do was to put groceries away and cook lunch. I looked around the store for ideas as I followed my list of must haves.  I wanted something decadent, I was on the hunt!  I came upon a pre-made Smoky Crab Dip, I thought that sounded good, maybe with some crackers or chips??? But then I saw the price - OUCH! it was almost $6.00 for this little 10 oz container - not happening in my world!

Ok time to re-group, let's think a bit and find something else. Then I remembered that "I" have 2 cans of Crab meat in my pantry! Viola! I could make my own for way less money and more for us to share - maybe some for the next day? LOL.

With this in mind I picked up a 8oz package of lite Cream Cheese (hey, I try to save calories where I can) and shredded Parmesan Cheese. I knew I had everything else I would need in my fridge and pantry. So I finished up my shopping and headed home, and YES after shopping and putting away groceries I had to cook our "lunch", LOL, but it was quick and relatively easy.

To make my Ooooey Goooey Hot Crab Dip I whisked together the 8 oz pkg of Cream Cheese and 1/4 Cup of Mayo till smooth. To this mixture I stirred in 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese, 3 chopped Green Onions - white and green parts, 1 Tbspn Garlic Powder, 1/2 tspn Old Bay Seasoning, 1/4 tspn Celery Salt, 1/8 tspn Liquid Smoke, 1/4 tspn Salt and 1/4 tspn Black Pepper. Fold in 1 8oz can Crab Meat, drained and picked through for any shells or cartilage.

Gathering of all the goodies! ** note I only used 1 can of the Crab meat.

Spread mixture in a 8 x 8 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray, sprinkle top lightly with Paprika.  Bake in 350 degree pre-heated over for 18 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve warm with Corn Tortilla chips or Ritz crackers.

 Bake 18 to 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven, till lightly golden browned and bubbly

I dished us each up a little bowl and some chips, topped the dip off with some freshly snipped chives from my garden pot on my deck - LOL I always forget I have these growing, so I try t use them when I do, they add such a fresh taste.

Needless to say we enjoyed this dip, some of us all too well - no there's none left for tomorrow, :(.  I think next time I make it I may try adding some chopped Jalapenos and/or some chopped Spinach. I think either would be a nice flavor addition. I also think adding some salad size Shrimp or cut up Shrimp or even some of the Surimi (faux Shrimp or Crab) would work well too and add even more delicious seafood flavor --- YUUUUM!