1. Gather Your Tools for this Crab custard dish
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools:

• Ramekins (4 small ones work best)
• A deep baking dish (to hold the ramekins)
• A kitchen torch (or broiler, if you don’t have one)
• A mixing bowl and whisk

2. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place your ramekins into the baking dish. This dish will act as a water bath, which helps the custard cook gently and evenly. (Don’t worry—it sounds fancier than it is!)

3. Make the Custard
In a bowl, blend heavy cream with egg yolks, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add pepper and salt to taste. Remember that the Parmesan and crab bring their own saltiness to the mix, so don’t go too heavy on the salt.

4. Add the Crab
Now for the star of the show: the crab! Gently fold the lump crab meat into the custard mixture. Be careful not to break up the chunks too much; you want nice, meaty bites in every spoonful.

5. Assemble the Ramekins
Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese for that cheesy, golden layer.

6. Create a Water Bath
Time to get the magic started! Fill the special dish with hot water halfway along the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will ensure that the custard sets evenly and does not curdle.

7. Bake
After that, place the baking dish within the oven and bake it for approximately 30 to 35 minutes until the custards are ready with a gentle wiggle in the middle. (They should be a bit jiggly when shaken, kind of like Jell-O.)

8. Cool and Torch
After baking, let the ramekins cool down for about fifteen minutes. sprinkle evenly a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top of each ramekin. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crackly. If a torch is not available, place under an oven’s broiler for 2-3 minutes, being careful to monitor closely so it doesn’t burn.

9. Serve and Enjoy
And just like that, your crab brûlée is ready to be enjoyed! Serve with crispy crostini, crackers, or even a light side salad. Your guests will crack into that brûlée topping only to discover the creamy, savory custard within. They won’t be turning back, believe me.