I originally published this recipe in 2019 and have since added new photos, a video tutorial, and more helpful success tips. Here in Maryland, WE LOVE OUR CRAB DIP.
This Hot Crab Dip Is:
Made with jumbo lump crab, just like crab pretzels Cheesy dip meets crab cakes Irresistibly creamy Old Bay-seasoned Baked or slow cooked, your choice Extra quick, no pre-cooking Nothing less than a huge hit, guaranteed!
This does Maryland justice! Search the internet and you’ll find millions of crab dip recipes. They’re all centered around—you guessed it—crab, but the other ingredients can vary. I’ve tasted dozens of crab dips (I’m surrounded by it!) and I know what works, and what doesn’t.
The Best Crab Dip Ingredients
These are the 9 ingredients you need to make the best Maryland crab dip on the planet. And that’s not an exaggeration. I know lifelong Maryland locals who swear by this one!!!! A dash of hot sauce is delicious, too!
How to Make Hot Crab Dip
The process is quick, simple, and foolproof as long as you’re using the right ingredients. A handheld or stand mixer is definitely helpful and makes mixing easier, but I’ve mixed it together by hand before too.
Serving Crab Dip
For serving, keep things simple. You want the flavors from the dip to shine, so don’t serve with crackers or breads with overpowering flavors. Baguette slices, toasted artisan bread (pictured!), or sturdy crackers/pita chips are key so you can scoop up all that lump crab.
Best Crab Meat for Crab Dip
At the market, you can find canned, frozen, or fresh (refrigerated) crab meat. Unrefrigerated canned crab meat doesn’t have the freshest flavor (obviously). If you need to use canned, look for canned crab meat in the refrigerated section of your market. The fresher the crab meat, the better the crab dip will taste. Crab meat labeled “hand-picked” or “fresh-picked” is fully cooked and sold in plastic tubs by the butcher or seafood counter. This is what I always use for crab cakes and crab soup, and highly encourage you to use the same here. It’s pricier than canned, but you have a completely different (and fresh) product. Don’t worry, all the other ingredients are pretty inexpensive, especially if you purchase store-brand or find them on sale. Ask your grocer where to find the freshest crab meat in the store. I purchase fresh crab meat sold in a 1-pound tub from the seafood counter. This DOES NOT disappoint!
Even More Appetizer Recipes
Pepperoni Pizza Dip Garlic & Bacon Spinach Dip Sweet Potato Skins Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños Soft Pretzel Bites Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
