Hot Crab Salsa Dip is a zesty twist on a classic that's perfect for entertaining. The spice level is totally customizable to your preferences. Game Day, poolside, winter holidays; this dip will become a fast favorite! Adapted from Rick Rodgers, Thanksgiving 101
1cupchunky tomato salsa, drained of excess liquid in a mesh sieve
16ouncesblock-style cream cheese, room temperature
½cupmayonnaise
1teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
1poundjumbo lump crabmeat, picked over to remove cartilage and flaked
hot red pepper sauce, to taste*
½cupplain fresh breadcrumbs
2teaspoonschopped cilantro(optional, for garnish)
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 1-quart baking dish.
In a large bowl, mash together cream cheese, salsa, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined and no chunks of cream cheese remain. Fold in crabmeat and season to taste with hot sauce.
Place dip in prepared baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes, until hot and bubbly. (Check breadcrumbs after about 30 minutes. If they are starting to get too brown, cover the dip with a piece of foil until the last 5 minutes of baking.)
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with warmed, lightly-salted tortilla chips.
Notes
*The amount of hot sauce will vary based on your own personal tastes, and the heat levels of both your salsa and hot pepper sauce. I use mild salsa and anywhere from 2-4 dashes of hot sauce in a full recipe. I usually buy the "garlic" version of hot pepper sauce, which I find to be a little less assertive and more roundly-flavored.This dip can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator, unbaked and covered, until needed. When ready to serve, top with breadcrumbs and bake as directed.