Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a delicious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for entertaining. Loaded with tender crab meat, cream cheese, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, it’s a rich, creamy dip that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Here’s a simple recipe to make this savory dip:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (a Maryland classic!)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers, chips, or vegetables (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Dip Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the large chunks too much.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
3. Bake the Dip:
- Transfer the crab mixture into a small to medium-sized baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works well).
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the dip is out of the oven, sprinkle it with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the dip hot with crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables like celery and carrot sticks for dipping.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor: You can substitute half of the sour cream with cream cheese for a thicker, creamier texture.
- Use fresh crab: If you can get your hands on fresh Maryland crab meat, it makes all the difference in flavor, but canned crab meat will work as well.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance, refrigerate it for up to 1 day, and then bake it just before serving.
- For extra heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little spice.
Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a perfect party appetizer that combines the sweetness of crab with a creamy, cheesy base and zesty seasonings. It’s a Maryland classic that’s sure to impress! Enjoy!