Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a classic, rich, and creamy dip that’s perfect for gatherings or as a special appetizer. It’s loaded with lump crab meat and flavored with a blend of seasonings, making it a true treat for crab lovers.
Maryland Hot Crab Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lump crab meat (preferably fresh or canned, drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crab Meat:
- If using fresh crab, be sure to remove any shells. Gently pat the crab meat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Dip Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is smoothly combined.
- Add the Crab Meat:
- Gently fold the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to break up the crab too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish (a 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish works well). Spread it evenly.
- Optional Topping:
- If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the dip for added crunch.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you added breadcrumbs, they should be crispy and golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the dip with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
- Serve the dip hot with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable dippers like celery or carrots.
Tips:
- Old Bay seasoning is essential for the authentic Maryland flavor, but you can adjust the amount based on how much spice you prefer.
- If you prefer a more decadent dip, you can add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream to make it extra creamy.
- For an even more intense crab flavor, try mixing in a small amount of crab stock or crab juice if available.
This Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a flavorful, indulgent treat perfect for entertaining and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!
