Preheat your oven to 325°F.

In a medium pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and salt. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Drain the crab meat using a fine-mesh strainer.

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice using an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in the caramelized onion mixture, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, and the drained crab meat with a spatula.

Transfer the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges start to bubble and the cheese is melted.

Set your broiler to low. Broil the dip for approximately 3 minutes until the top is browned and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes to set.

Garnish with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning and chopped chives. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, and crostini.