Maryland Crab Dip – A Classic Party Favorite

Maryland Crab Dip is a rich and creamy appetizer made with fresh crab meat, cream cheese, and bold seasonings.

Perfectly seasoned with Old Bay, this dip is a staple at gatherings, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area. Serve it warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with coastal flavor.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (8×8 or similar size)
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
4. Fold in the Crab: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps too much.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 180
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 1g

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab meat is ideal for the best flavor, but canned or pasteurized crab meat can be used as a substitute.

Don’t Overmix: Fold the crab meat gently to preserve its texture and maintain chunks in the dip.

Serving Ideas: Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, celery sticks, or tortilla chips for variety.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use a combination of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper as a substitute.

Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for a lighter option.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicier dip.

Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for added flavor.

Maryland Crab Dip – A Classic Party Favorite

Maryland Crab Dip is a rich and creamy appetizer made with fresh crab meat, cream cheese, and bold seasonings. Perfectly seasoned with Old Bay, this dip is a staple at gatherings, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• - Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Baking dish (8x8 or similar size)
• - Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
• 8 oz lump crab meat picked over for shells
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• **Mix the Base Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy.
• **Add Flavorings:** Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
• **Fold in the Crab:** Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps too much.
• **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
• **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately with crackers, bread, or vegetables.