Hot Crab Dip

Little Bee's Note:

I found this recipe on another recipe website. I haven't tried it yet but I am going to add it to my Christmas Eve buffet this year. I thought I would post it and share.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 11 ounces cream cheese , softened
• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 (1 lb) container fresh lump crabmeat or 2 cans crabmeat
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 loaf round crusty Italian bread (1 pound)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion, mayonnaise, crabmeat, garlic powder, and Old Bay.
3. Spread mixture into a 1 quart baking dish.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. While the dip is baking, cut a circle in the top of the bread, and scoop out the inside to create a bread bowl.
6. Tear the removed bread into pieces for dipping.
7. Remove baked crab dip from the oven, and stir well.
8. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed out loaf.
9. Sprinkle with grated cheddar if desired.
10. Place bread bowl and chunks of bread on a medium baking sheet, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
11. Serve hot.