Maryland Crab Dip

Name: Maryland Crab Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz whipped cream cheese; ½ cup tartar sauce; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp hot sauce (optional); 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 lb jumbo lump or lump crab meat*; ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish); Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping); Olive oil cooking spray

Eliana

Everyday Culinary Delights

This Maryland Crab Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the sweet, delicate flavor of lump crab meat, it’s the perfect warm dip to impress guests at holidays, game days, or casual weekends at home. With a golden bubbly top and that signature Old Bay seasoning, you’ll taste the Chesapeake Bay in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Flavor-Packed: Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce give it that unmistakable tangy, zesty flavor.
Creamy & Cheesy: Loaded with cream cheese and melted cheeses for ultra-creamy goodness.
Party Perfect: Always a hit at parties — serve it with toasted baguette, crackers, or even veggie sticks!

Ingredients

8 oz whipped cream cheese
½ cup tartar sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 lb jumbo lump or lump crab meat*
¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping)
Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with cooking spray (a pie dish works perfectly).
Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine whipped cream cheese, tartar sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice until well mixed.
Fold in crab and cheese: Gently fold in the crab meat, half the Monterey Jack, and half the mozzarella cheese. Be careful not to break up the crab too much!
Assemble the dip: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Extra Cheesy: Add more Monterey Jack or even creamier cheeses like Gruyère for a cheesy overload.
Seafood Twist: Add a handful of cooked shrimp or a sprinkle of crab roe for a seafood feast.
Low Carb: Skip the bread and serve with sliced veggies like celery, bell peppers, or cucumber rounds.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned crab meat?
A: Yes! While fresh lump crab is ideal for the best flavor and texture, canned crab meat works well too — just make sure to drain it thoroughly.

Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prep the dip, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What’s a good substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
A: Mix celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder for a DIY version.

Q: Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
A: You sure can! Cook it on low for 2-3 hours until hot and bubbly.