Creamy Coastal Lobster Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onion tops
Instructions
- Pull cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften on the counter for at least 20 minutes before starting.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Add minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Pat lobster meat dry with paper towels, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, keeping some chunks intact.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until edges are bubbling and cheese is golden in spots. If needed, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the top — watch it closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with fresh chives and serve immediately with toasted sourdough, sturdy crackers, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
Pat lobster meat completely dry before folding it into the base — excess moisture will make the dip watery in the center as it bakes. Also, do not skip softening the cream cheese; cold cream cheese will leave lumps no matter how long you stir.