Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2:
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the whipped cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3:
- Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Mix gently until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 4:
- Fold in the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 5:
- Carefully add the crab meat, folding gently to keep the crab in large, tender pieces.
Step 6:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 8:
- While the dip bakes, arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Step 9:
- Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5–7 minutes, turning once, until lightly crisp.
Step 10:
- Remove the crab dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Not recommended, as the texture of the dairy may change. Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at low heat until warmed through, or microwave gently in short intervals. 🥄 Variations Extra cheesy: Add an additional ¼ cup shredded cheese on top before baking Spicy kick: Increase hot sauce slightly for more heat Herb-forward: Add extra parsley or a pinch of dried herbs Lighter texture: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise Crab-forward: Reduce cheese slightly to highlight the crab flavor Each variation keeps the soul of Maryland crab dip while letting you tailor it to your taste. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but lump crab offers the best texture and flavor. Should I rinse the crab?
Only if needed; pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Is Old Bay essential?
It’s traditional and highly recommended. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving. Is this dip spicy?
It’s mildly spiced and easy to adjust. What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack and mozzarella melt smoothly. Can I serve it cold?
It’s best enjoyed warm. How do I avoid overmixing?
Fold the crab gently at the end. What else can I serve with it?
Crackers or vegetables work well. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and add a few minutes to baking time. 🏁 Conclusion This Maryland crab dip is a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender crab, it brings comforting coastal flavor to any table. Easy to prepare and endlessly crowd-pleasing, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you want something special yet familiar.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Not recommended, as the texture of the dairy may change. Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at low heat until warmed through, or microwave gently in short intervals. 🥄 Variations Extra cheesy: Add an additional ¼ cup shredded cheese on top before baking Spicy kick: Increase hot sauce slightly for more heat Herb-forward: Add extra parsley or a pinch of dried herbs Lighter texture: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise Crab-forward: Reduce cheese slightly to highlight the crab flavor Each variation keeps the soul of Maryland crab dip while letting you tailor it to your taste. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but lump crab offers the best texture and flavor. Should I rinse the crab?
Only if needed; pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Is Old Bay essential?
It’s traditional and highly recommended. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving. Is this dip spicy?
It’s mildly spiced and easy to adjust. What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack and mozzarella melt smoothly. Can I serve it cold?
It’s best enjoyed warm. How do I avoid overmixing?
Fold the crab gently at the end. What else can I serve with it?
Crackers or vegetables work well. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and add a few minutes to baking time. 🏁 Conclusion This Maryland crab dip is a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender crab, it brings comforting coastal flavor to any table. Easy to prepare and endlessly crowd-pleasing, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you want something special yet familiar.