Description
A rich and spicy Maryland crab dip combining cream cheese, sharp cheddar, scallions, and a blend of bold seasonings, baked to a bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheese and Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for seafood lovers and game day snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 5 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/4 cups), divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts (from about 2 scallions)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Crystal, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- 1 pound lump blue crab meat, picked over for shells
To Serve
- Crackers or toasts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crab dip.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the cream cheese, half of the grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions, mayonnaise, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remember that the crab will mellow the flavors, so consider adding more hot sauce or cayenne for extra spice, but be cautious with salt since Old Bay and crab add saltiness.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat with a silicone spatula to incorporate it without breaking up the lumps, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish and bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbling, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the dish from the oven, turn on the broiler, and lightly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and a dusting of Old Bay on top. Broil 4 to 6 inches from the heating element until the cheese melts, bubbles, and becomes lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the warm dip to a serving platter and serve hot with crackers or toasts of your choice.
Notes
- For a smoother dip, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Use lump crab meat to maintain texture and crab flavor.
- Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dip.
- Old Bay seasoning is key to authentic Maryland flavor; do not omit.
- Serve with assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 842 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
