Creating this creamy crab dip is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to ensure your dip is both delicious and visually appealing:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dip bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Crab Meat: If using fresh crab meat, make sure it’s thoroughly cooked. Gently shred the crab meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Flavorings: To the creamy mixture, add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Incorporate the Cheeses: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are well combined with the creamy base.
6. Add the Crab Meat: Gently fold the prepared crab meat into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without breaking up the pieces too much.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform bake.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.
10. Serve: Serve warm with your choice of dippers, such as crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.