Description
Classic maryland crab dip showcases delicate crab meat blended with creamy cheeses and subtle seasonings. Chesapeake Bay flavors shine through in this rich, crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll savor at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) jumbo lump or lump crab meat
- 8 oz (227 g) whipped cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) tartar sauce
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsps (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) hot sauce, optional
- fresh chopped parsley
- sliced and toasted baguette
- olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Configure oven to 350°F and lightly spray a shallow ceramic dish with cooking spray to create a non-stick surface for the dip.
- Flavor Foundation: Whisk cream cheese, tartar sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice into a harmonious, smooth blend that captures the essence of coastal cuisine.
- Seafood Integration: Tenderly fold crab meat into the seasoned mixture, ensuring the delicate protein remains intact, then disperse half of the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses throughout the mixture for complex flavor layers.
- Baking Composition: Transfer the maritime-inspired concoction into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface and generously crown with remaining shredded cheese to create a golden, appetizing topping.
- Culinary Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, allowing ingredients to merge and cheese to melt into a bubbling, irresistible landscape that promises rich, oceanic flavors.
- Final Flourish: Emerge from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant visual and aromatic dimension to the warm, decadent Maryland-style dip.
- Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside crisp, toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to indulge in this luxurious seafood experience.
Notes
- Preserve Crab Texture: Fold the crab meat gently to maintain its delicate, flaky consistency and prevent breaking the tender chunks during mixing.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded varieties that can contain anti-caking agents blocking smooth melting.
- Seasoning Balance: Adjust hot sauce and Old Bay according to personal heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting before final incorporation.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm immediately after baking for the most luxurious texture and maximum flavor intensity, as the dip tends to stiffen when cooled.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg