Step 1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; toss with 1/2 teaspoon of the Old Bay. Do not turn oven off.

Step 2

While tots bake, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium. Add shallots and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add vermouth; cook, stirring constantly, until mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Stir together cream cheese, chives, mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, and remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay in a large bowl. Fold in crabmeat and shallot mixture. Spread mixture in a 1-quart gratin baking dish. Top evenly with tots. Bake at 425°F until crab mixture bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.