Crab Cheesecake

This appetizer cheesecake makes a delicious spread for a party or holiday gathering. It's an elegant appetizer to serve with your favorite crackers or vegetables for dipping.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup Ritz or buttery crackers, crushed
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 packages (8 ounce each) cream cheese, room temperature
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
2 drops tabasco sauce, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup lump crabmeat, canned
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. Mix together the cracker crumbs and butter and use the mixture to line a 9 inch springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Reduce the oven to 325°.

With an electric mixer, beat together until fluffy the cream cheese, eggs, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Add the lemon juice, onion, Old Bay seasoning, Tabasco, and black pepper. Stir in the crabmeat and mix well. Pour into the cooled crust and bake 50 minutes until the cake sets. Remove from the oven. Run a knife around the edge of the cake, loosening it from the pan. Cool on a wire rack. Remove the sides of the pan. Spread the cake with the sour cream.
Serves 12