Description
Maryland’s beloved crab dip delivers pure coastal comfort with its creamy blend of succulent crab meat, tangy cream cheese, and zesty seasonings. Chesapeake Bay flavors shine through in this irresistible appetizer that beckons you to savor each luxurious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) jumbo lump or lump crab meat
- 8 ounces (227 grams) whipped cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauces and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) tartar sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) hot sauce, optional
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sliced and toasted baguette
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a shallow ceramic dish with light cooking spray, ensuring an even surface for the upcoming dip.
- Create a creamy base by whisking together whipped cream cheese, tangy tartar sauce, zesty Worcestershire sauce, fiery hot sauce, aromatic Old Bay seasoning, and bright lemon juice until smoothly integrated.
- Gently incorporate fresh crab meat into the seasoned mixture, carefully folding to preserve the delicate texture of the seafood, then strategically distribute half of the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses throughout the blend.
- Elegantly transfer the maritime-inspired blend into the prepared baking vessel, smoothing the surface and crowning the dip with the remaining shredded cheese for a luxurious golden topping.
- Position the dish in the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a bubbling, enticing landscape.
- Remove from the oven and enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant garnish that complements the rich, oceanic flavors.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp, toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to scoop and savor the warm, decadent Maryland-style creation.
Notes
- Gentle handling of crab meat preserves delicate texture and prevents breaking during mixing.
- Cream cheese and tartar sauce create a rich, tangy base that complements the sweet crab meat.
- Old Bay seasoning delivers authentic Maryland coastal flavor, essential for traditional crab dip experience.
- Choosing fresh lump crab meat ensures superior taste and luxurious mouthfeel in the appetizer.
- Melted cheese topping adds irresistible golden-brown crispy layer that elevates the entire dish.
- Quick 15-20 minute baking time makes this gourmet appetizer perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg