When it comes to irresistible party appetizers, Maryland crab dip stands in a league of its own. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet lump crab meat, this iconic East Coast favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to discover why this dip is a staple at Maryland gatherings and how you can recreate it perfectly at home? Let’s dive in!
Maryland Crab Dip
| Servings: | 8 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Serving Size: | About 1⁄2 cup |
Description
One bite of warm, creamy Maryland Crab Dip pulls you to the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. Rich crab flavor mingles with tangy cream cheese, a kick of Old Bay seasoning, and the golden edges of bubbling cheese. It is the kind of dish that starts with casual dipping and ends with guests fighting for the last scrap. Perfect for any gathering, this classic dip is both elegant and undeniably comforting.
Imagine scooping through a sea of luscious, cheesy crab mixture with a crisp baguette or buttery cracker. It is like a warm hug from your favorite coastal town. The sweetness of the crabmeat shines through layers of creamy texture and sharp melted cheese, making every bite a balanced blend of freshness and indulgence. Whether you are hosting a family game night or bringing something memorable to a potluck, this Maryland Crab Dip instantly becomes the centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings all the flavor of a Maryland seafood shack into your own kitchen without the need for advanced culinary skills. It is quick to put together, can be made ahead, and features ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The star ingredient—lump crab meat—requires no extra work other than gentle mixing, and the oven does all the heavy lifting.
Maryland Crab Dip is a flexible appetizer that pleases just about every palate. Serve it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crisp veggies, and it fits any occasion from summer cookouts to football Sundays. It is a crave-worthy delight that invites repetition if only to see it disappear twice as fast.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound lump crab meat picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra cheese for topping
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
- 9-inch round baking dish or similar oven-safe dish
- Spatula
- Oven
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your baking dish lightly so nothing sticks.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy. A hand mixer helps if your cream cheese is a little cold but elbow grease with a wooden spoon works too.
- Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until all ingredients are fully blended and the mixture looks uniform and creamy.
- Step 4: Using a spatula, gently fold in your lump crab meat. Be soft with your mixing—you want the crab to stay in sweet, chunky bites, not get shredded into the cheese.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with a little more cheddar or Parmesan if you love a cheesy golden crust.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and the edges turn golden. That golden edge is a guaranteed sign of deliciousness.
- Step 7: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. It adds color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Step 8: Serve while warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crunchy veggie sticks. Watch it disappear faster than you can say Old Bay.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve, keep the crab dip warm for best flavor and texture. You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake it right before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop a portion into an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cheese and crab slightly rubbery.
Freezing this dip is not recommended. The dairy and crab may separate or become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy Maryland Crab Dip freshly baked or within a few days of preparation.
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of crab?
Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and very well-drained. Chop them into small pieces before folding into the dairy mixture. The texture will be different, but still tasty.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Use a wedge of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. It melts smoother and has a nuttier, sharper flavor than pre-grated versions.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using plant-based cream cheese and sour cream, plus vegan shredded cheese. Nutritional yeast can substitute for Parmesan. For the crab, some use chopped hearts of palm as a seafood-free alternative.
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Maryland Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound lump crab meat picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat with a spatula, being careful not to break up the pieces too much.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with extra cheddar or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbling with golden edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetables.
