Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Introduction

Maryland Crab Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with sweet crab meat, this dip is sure to impress your guests with its classic seafood taste and comforting warmth.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pound jumbo lump or lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley (to garnish)
• Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping)
• Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil cooking spray; a pie dish works well.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay Seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the crab meat along with half of the Monterey Jack and half of the mozzarella cheese, being careful not to break up the crab meat.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture, but canned crab meat can work in a pinch.
• Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your spice preference or omit it entirely for a milder dip.
• Add a little garlic powder or finely chopped green onions for extra flavor.
• Try serving with crackers or vegetable sticks as an alternative to baguette slices.

Storage

Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300° F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this crab dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay Seasoning?

You can substitute Old Bay with a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic its signature flavor.

Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Maryland Crab Dip recipe is a creamy, cheesy appetizer featuring lump crab meat seasoned with Old Bay and enriched with cream cheese and mayonnaise. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for serving with toasted baguette slices at parties or gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Base

• 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Crab and Cheese

• 1 pound jumbo lump or lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish and Serving

• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping)
• Olive oil cooking spray (to grease dish)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish, such as a pie dish, with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay Seasoning, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.
3. Fold in Crab and Cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and half of both the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses. Be careful not to break up the crab lumps to maintain texture.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the creamy crab mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses.
5. Bake Until Melted: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dip is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with sliced and toasted baguette for dipping.
7. Enjoy and Review: Enjoy this delicious crab dip as an appetizer or party snack, and if desired, leave a review to share your experience.

Notes

• For best texture, use fresh lump crab meat rather than canned.
• Old Bay seasoning is essential for the authentic Maryland flavor.
• The hot sauce is optional but adds a pleasant mild kick.
• To toast baguette slices, lightly brush with olive oil and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maryland crab dip, crab appetizer, creamy crab dip, baked crab dip, Old Bay crab dip, party dips, seafood dip