Maryland Crab Dip is a sumptuous blend of creamy ingredients that highlights the delicate flavor of fresh crab meat. This dip, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Maryland, makes for an excellent choice at gatherings, game days, or simply as a treat for yourself.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Maryland Crab Dip
Maryland Crab Dip is a delightful appetizer that brings a taste of the Chesapeake Bay right to your table. Its creamy texture and savory taste pair perfectly with crunchy crackers or warm bread. Made with rich ingredients like cream cheese and lump crab meat, this dip is not only indulgent but also incredibly simple to prepare. Hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in? This dip will steal the show!
How to Make Maryland Crab Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dip bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden color.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and creamy.
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Step 3: Adding Crab
Gently fold in the lump crab meat and chopped green onions, being careful not to break the crab meat too much to maintain its chunks. This adds a nice texture and visual appeal to your dip.
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Step 4: Baking
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and has a beautiful golden crust on top.
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Step 5: Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, serve hot with a variety of crackers or slices of warm bread.
How to Serve Maryland Crab Dip
For a delightful presentation, serve Maryland Crab Dip in the baking dish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even vegetable sticks for a colorful platter. This dish also shines when served at parties and gatherings, encouraging guests to share and enjoy.
How to Store Maryland Crab Dip
Leftover crab dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maryland Crab Dip
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature; this helps create a smoother dip.
- For an added kick, sprinkle some extra Old Bay seasoning on top before baking.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor. If using canned crab meat, ensure you drain it well.
- You can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier dip that still tastes creamy.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Crab Dip: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
- Cheesy Crab Dip: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella for a cheesier experience.
- Herbed Dip: Consider adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this crab dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving. -
What if I can’t find lump crab meat?
You can use claw or backfin crab meat as a substitute. It may have a slightly different texture, but it will still taste great. -
How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the crab meat before mixing it into your dip. -
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Gruyère for unique flavors. -
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free crackers or bread on the side, this dip is safe for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Maryland Crab Dip is a classic that promises to delight your taste buds with its creamy, rich, and savory notes. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, this easy-to-make dip will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients and give this delightful dish a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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Maryland Crab Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and savory Maryland Crab Dip that highlights fresh crab meat. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Gently fold in lump crab meat and green onions, being careful not to break the crab meat.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot with crackers or warm bread.
Notes
For a delicious twist, consider adding diced jalapeños for heat or fresh herbs for flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
