Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 16 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely minced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and completely integrated.
  3. Stir in the Old Bay, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until the base is a uniform, pale orange hue.
  4. Gently add the drained lump crab meat and minced chives to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, fold the crab into the cream cream cheese mixture using a slow 'under-and-over' motion until just coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with your spatula.
  6. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and Parmesan over the surface and brush the top with a small amount of melted butter.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese has transformed into a mahogany-colored crust.