Creamy Maryland Crab Dip with Cheddar
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Maryland with this Creamy Maryland Crab Dip with Cheddar. This scrumptious dip is a favorite at gatherings, combining lump crabmeat with luscious cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Old Bay seasoning. It’s perfect for dipping fresh bread or crunchy crackers, making it an irresistible appetizer that captures the essence of Chesapeake Bay cuisine. Whether it's a party or a cozy night in, this dip is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crabmeat
12 ounces (lump or back fin)
Cream Cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tablespoon
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (divided)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese and then blend in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
3
Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, being careful not to break up the crab pieces too much.
5
Transfer the crab mixture into a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
6
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the dip gently to ensure even heating.
8
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
9
Return the dip to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10
For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra Old Bay seasoning over the top just before serving.
11
Serve hot with torn pieces of fresh French or bakery-style bread, crusty crackers, or your preferred dippers.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
3.4g
Carbs
14.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Maryland Crab Dip with Cheddar?
It is a rich and savory appetizer that combines lump crabmeat with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning, typical of Chesapeake Bay cuisine.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350%F (175%C).
What type of crabmeat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of lump or back fin crabmeat.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which is divided during the preparation process.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 35 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 5 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this crab dip?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It is best served hot with torn pieces of fresh French or bakery-style bread, or crusty crackers.
How much Old Bay seasoning is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning, plus a little extra for sprinkling on top if desired.
When should I add the second cup of cheddar cheese?
The remaining cup of cheddar should be sprinkled on top after the dip has baked for 30 minutes.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 16g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
The dip provides 14.4g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 3.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I avoid breaking up the crabmeat pieces?
Gently fold the crabmeat into the cream cheese mixture instead of stirring vigorously.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
What liquid ingredients are included in the mix?
The recipe includes 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Should I stir the dip during the baking process?
Yes, after the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and stir the dip gently to ensure even heating before adding the final layer of cheese.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: crabmeat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cheddar cheese, and Old Bay seasoning.
Is the cream cheese blended with all of the cheddar at once?
No, you only blend in 1 cup of shredded cheddar initially; the rest is used for the topping.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dip?
It has a creamy, cheesy, and savory seafood flavor highlighted by the distinct spice of Old Bay.
Can I add more Old Bay seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling extra Old Bay over the top just before serving for added flavor.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dip is designed to be served hot immediately after baking.
What preparation is needed for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before you begin mixing.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer, specifically a baked seafood dip.
Can this be considered a party food?
Yes, it is a favorite for gatherings and social events due to its rich flavor and easy-to-dip consistency.
How do I know when the dip is finished baking?
The dip is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden, which takes about 5 minutes after the final topping is added.
What kind of bread works best with this?
Fresh French or bakery-style bread torn into pieces is ideal for scooping the dip.
Is this a traditional Maryland recipe?
Yes, the use of lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning makes it a classic representation of Maryland cuisine.
How much Worcestershire sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is often preferred, the recipe simply lists 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, which can be fresh or bottled.