Bookmark
This Maryland Crab Dip is a staple in Maryland that's made at every holiday and get-together! It's unbelievably easy, impossible to mess up, and will leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients
- Whipped cream cheese: 8 oz
- Tartar sauce: 1/2 cup
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp
- Hot sauce: 1 tsp, optional
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Jumbo lump or lump crab meat: 1 lb
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1/4 cup, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese: 1/4 cup, shredded
- Fresh chopped parsley: for garnish
- Sliced and toasted baguette: for dipping
- Olive oil cooking spray:
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, tartar sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay, and lemon juice.
- Add crab and cheese:
- Fold in the crab meat, half the Monterey Jack cheese, and half the mozzarella cheese with a rubber spatula. Careful not to break up the crab meat.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture into your baking dish, and top the dip with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and dip is heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with parsley and serve with toasted baguette.
Bookmark
Notes
You can use lump crab or jumbo lump crab meat for this recipe. In my opinion, the only time it's really beneficial to use jumbo lump crab meat is for crab cakes where you really want the crab to shine. In a dip, it's not quite as important to only have jumbo lump crab meat since there are plenty of other ingredients. You will save a lot of money using lump crab meat instead!
Try to make sure you are using a tartar sauce you've tried and enjoyed, recently I made this using a new tartar sauce I haven't tried before and it was not as good. I really enjoy the Whole Foods brand tartar sauce. If you're hesitant about using tartar sauce, use mayonnaise instead.
If you have never had Old Bay before or do not like it that much, start with only 1/2 tbsp. You can always mix in more after cooking!
Bookmark
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, canned lump crab meat can be used for convenience, though fresh crab offers better texture and flavor.
- → What can I substitute for tartar sauce?
Mayonnaise is a suitable alternative if you prefer a milder flavor or don't have tartar sauce available.
- → How do I prevent the crab meat from breaking apart?
Gently fold the crab in with a rubber spatula to maintain the lump texture and avoid over-mixing.
- → Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
Old Bay adds signature flavor, but you can reduce the amount or substitute with a milder seafood seasoning.
- → Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.
- → What’s the best cheese to use?
A mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella melts well and complements the crab without overpowering it.