Introduction

This Maryland Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for seafood lovers. Combining tender crab meat with a blend of cheeses and classic seasonings, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with toasted baguette slices for a delicious start to any gathering.

Ingredients

8 ounces whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pound jumbo lump or lump crab meat
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping)
Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F and lightly grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. A pie dish works well for this.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay Seasoning, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Gently fold in the crab meat along with half of the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses, being careful not to break up the crab meat.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.
Step 6: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with toasted baguette slices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or finely chopped green onions to the dip mixture.
Use lump crab meat for a chunkier texture or claw crab meat for a more economical option without losing flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Substitute Monterey Jack with sharp cheddar cheese for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300° F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating. Toast fresh baguette slices before serving again for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this dip?

Yes, canned crab meat can be used, though fresh or lump crab meat will provide a better texture and richer flavor.

How can I make this dip ahead of time?

Prepare the mixture and assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.

Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

This Maryland Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer featuring jumbo lump crab meat combined with whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a blend of spices including Old Bay seasoning. Baked to perfection and topped with melted Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese, it’s served warm and garnished with fresh parsley, perfect for pairing with toasted baguette slices as a delicious party or game day snack.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

8 ounces whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pound jumbo lump or lump crab meat
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

To Serve

Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Sliced and toasted baguette (for dipping)
Olive oil cooking spray (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish, such as a pie dish, with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
Fold in Crab and Cheese: Gently fold the jumbo lump crab meat into the cheese mixture along with half of the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses, being careful not to break up the crab meat pieces.
Transfer and Top: Spoon the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the dip is heated through and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with sliced and toasted baguette for dipping.
Enjoy and Review: Rate the recipe and share your feedback if desired.

Notes

Use jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor, but lump crab meat is a suitable alternative.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste or omit if you prefer a milder dip.
To toast the baguette slices, brush them lightly with olive oil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until golden.
This dip can be prepared ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
Make sure not to overmix the crab meat to keep the lumps intact for better texture.

Keywords: Maryland crab dip, crab appetizer, creamy crab dip, Old Bay crab dip, baked crab dip recipe, seafood dip