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A cast iron skillet filled with Harissa Crab and Cheddar Dip, garnished with a crab claw. Sliced baguette and cucumbers surround the dip.

Harissa Crab and Cheddar Dip

A decadent, creamy, cheesy, and spicy crab dip perfect for any crowd of hungry friends.

Course Appetizer
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp EV olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red onion minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped finely
  • 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1-2 tbsp Entube Harissa paste to taste, start with 1 tbsp and move up
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 12 oz cooked lump crab meat if necessary, replace half of the lump with less expensive canned crab meat
  • toasted sliced baguette or seed crackers or even veggies

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

    Use a veggie spray to lightly coat a 4 cup oven safe baking dish and set aside. (You want to ensure that the dip doesn't reach the very top of the baking dish. The filling is only about 3 cups. But as it bakes, it will rise and bubble over if too close to the top)

  2. In a small pan add olive oil and heat at medium-high.

    Sauté the red onion until it is softened and lightly golden.

    Remove from heat to cool.

  3. Combine the sautéed red onion, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, chives, lemon juice, harissa sauce, and salt in a bowl. Mix well with a wooden spoon until well combined and creamy. (Alternatively you can do this in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment)

  4. Gently fold in the crab meat.

    Spread crab mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.

  5. Bake for 20-30 minutes until lightly brown on top and bubbly.

    Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers or veggie sticks.

Recipe Notes

I have successfully made this, and only heated half to serve, freezing the other half. This may have some turning in their graves, but really, the thawed portion with freshly grated cheese on top baked up just fine.
I state that this will feed 10. This is true if it is one of only a few appetizers. If there are several other options, it will go further, or you may want to prepare less.