Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a rich, creamy, and savory appetizer that captures the essence of Maryland’s famous crab dishes. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat. Here’s a recipe that will bring the taste of the Chesapeake Bay to your table!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat (preferably Maryland blue crab if available)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Crushed crackers, sliced baguette, or raw veggies (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 8×8-inch or a similarly sized casserole dish) with butter.
2. Prepare the Crab Meat:
- If using fresh or frozen crab meat, ensure it’s fully thawed if frozen. Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage. Then, roughly chop the crab into bite-sized pieces, but don’t shred it; you want to keep some large chunks for texture.
3. Make the Crab Dip Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more Old Bay or lemon juice if needed.
4. Add the Crab Meat:
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, making sure not to break up the large pieces. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the crab meat in large, tender chunks.
5. Bake the Dip:
- Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the dip is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Maryland Hot Crab Dip warm with crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh raw veggies (like celery, carrots, or cucumber) for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Use Fresh Crab Meat: If you can find fresh, lump crab meat (especially from Maryland), it will make all the difference in flavor. If using canned, be sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier dip, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy!
This Maryland Hot Crab Dip is rich, cheesy, and brimming with crab flavor—perfect for anyone who loves seafood. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!