Introduction
Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that brings the tastes of the Chesapeake Bay to your table.
It incorporates the area’s most renowned seafood: sweet, delicate crab flesh. This dip is the ideal combination of creamy cream cheese, mayonnaise, and crab, finished with a dash of Old Bay spice, making it an appealing option for parties, gatherings, or even a nice night in. Enjoy it with crackers, bread, or veggies; it’s flavorful, quick to make, and versatile.
How It Arose and Its Cultural Importance
Maryland is famous for its blue crabs, which is where this delicacy is made. Crabs like these have been a staple in the Chesapeake Bay diet for generations, and the area’s chefs have created delicious dishes using them. Across the state and beyond, Maryland crab dishes—from crab cakes to crab soups—are adored.A crab dip from Maryland
At holiday parties, seafood festivals, and family get-togethers, hot crab dip is a common appetizer that highlights the subtle flavor of fresh crab.
How Many of Each Ingredient
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
a half cup of mayonnaise
half a cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
(or to taste) half a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
*Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
a spoonful of fruit juice
1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan
1 cup lump crab flesh (fresh or canned, drained and flaked)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Optional Additions
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce or cayenne pepper for added heat
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
A splash of lemon juice to brighten the taste
To add a smokey flavor, sprinkle with paprika.
Advice for Achieving Your Goals
If you can get your hands on some fresh crab meat, that’s what you should use. It tastes and feels better. Always remove all excess liquid from canned crab meat before cooking.
Before adding the crab meat, you can process the ingredients in a food processor to make a smoother dip.
Preserve the delicate crab flavor by not overmixing the crab meat. This will ensure that the chunks remain intact.
Add a touch more sour cream or mayonnaise for a creamier dip; just be careful not to overdo it, or the dip will be too runny.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
Gently fold in the crab meat, green onions (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
Place the batter in a lightly greased baking dish, like a petite casserole or pie plate.
For an extra flavorful and golden topping option, crumble some cheddar cheese on top.
The dip should be bubbling and golden on top after 25 to 30 minutes in the oven.
Toss in some crackers, toasted baguette slices, or sliced fresh veggies and serve hot.
Description
Maryland Hot Crab Dip is a velvety, creamy dip that features the sweet, delicate flavor of crab meat, enhanced by savory seasonings and cheeses. The dip has a rich texture with a hint of tanginess from the sour cream and Dijon mustard, balanced by the salty kick of Old Bay seasoning. The topping of melted cheddar adds a perfect touch of gooey, golden perfection.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings)
Calories: 210
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 550mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
In summary
A classic appetizer that represents the finest of Chesapeake Bay cuisine, Maryland Hot Crab Dip has become a national symbol. Its creamy texture and bold, savory flavors make it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a special treat, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Recommendation
Serve this dip at your next event over crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or sliced veggies. It also works nicely with a crisp, chilled white wine or a light beer to accentuate the fishy tastes.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dip is delicious and creamy, you can create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or by selecting for a reduced-fat cream cheese. Pairing the dip with vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or cucumber will help offset the richness and offer extra nutrients.