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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with sliced and toasted baguette for dipping.
- 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
