Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

If you’ve ever been to Maryland, you know that hot crab dip isn’t just a snack — it’s practically a state treasure. Walk into any local restaurant and you’ll see it bubbling away in a skillet or baked into a warm bread bowl. For me, it’s the dish that turns a casual get-together into something special.

easy Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

The first time I made this at home, I brought it to a game-day party. I didn’t even get to set the dish down before someone said, “Is that crab dip?” By the end of the night, there was nothing left but a few stray crumbs of bread. That’s the magic of this recipe — it draws people in and keeps them coming back for another scoop.

Why This Dip Works Every Time

It’s simple — fresh crab, creamy cheese, and Old Bay seasoning are a match made in Maryland heaven. The cream cheese gives it body, the sour cream and mayo make it silky, and the cheddar melts into every bite. Old Bay brings that unmistakable seafood flavor, while a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up.

And here’s the best part — you can bake it or slow-cook it. Whether you’re prepping for a big party or a cozy night in, this dip fits right in.

The Ingredients That Make All the Difference

  • Cream cheese – softened so it blends smoothly.

  • Mayonnaise – adds creaminess without overpowering.

  • Sour cream – lightens up the richness.

  • Cheddar cheese – sharp or white cheddar works best.

  • Ground mustard – adds subtle depth.

  • Fresh lemon juice – balances the richness.

  • Old Bay seasoning – a Maryland must-have.

  • Worcestershire sauce – rounds out the flavor.

  • Lump crab meat – go for fresh if you can, for those big juicy pieces.

Optional: a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.

How I Make It

  1. Whip the cream cheese first until it’s soft and lump-free. This makes mixing much easier.

  2. Add the rest of the ingredients except the crab and mix until smooth.

  3. Gently fold in the crab — you want those chunks to stay intact.

  4. Bake or slow-cook:

    • Bake in an oven-safe dish at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden at the edges.

    • Or slow-cook on low for 3–4 hours until hot and creamy.

best Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

My Best Tips for Success

  • Go fresh if you can – fresh-picked lump crab meat will always outshine canned.

  • Don’t overmix the crab – you want big bites in every scoop.

  • Serve with sturdy dippers – a warm baguette, pita chips, or thick crackers work perfectly.

  • Make ahead – assemble the dip a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Serving Ideas

This crab dip is the ultimate centerpiece for a party spread. I like to serve it in a cast iron skillet surrounded by toasted baguette slices. It’s also amazing spread on top of warm pretzels, stuffed into quesadillas, or spooned over grilled chicken for a “Chicken Chesapeake” twist.

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze crab dip?
I wouldn’t recommend it — the cream cheese can turn grainy after thawing.

What’s the difference between lump and backfin crab meat?
Lump is made of large, firm pieces of crab, while backfin is smaller, flakier bits. A mix can give you great texture.

Can I use imitation crab?
You can, but it won’t have the same flavor or texture as real crab.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can mix paprika, celery salt, a little black pepper, and dried mustard as a substitute, but the taste won’t be identical.

Can I make this dip lighter?
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream, but the texture will be slightly different.

Yield: 8

Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

easy Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style)

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet lump crab meat—this hot crab dip is a Maryland classic!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
  • 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 and 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 and 3/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or 2 teaspoons for extra spice)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional: 2 dashes hot sauce, or more to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, lemon juice, ground mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Mix until well combined.
  3. Using a spatula, gently fold in the lump crab meat, keeping the chunks intact for the best texture.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9-inch baking dish, pie pan, or oven-safe skillet. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
  6. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, celery sticks, or pita wedges.

Notes

  • Storage Tip: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 238Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 99mgSodium 456mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 13g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Maryland-style crab dip is one of those recipes that feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s quick to make, easy to share, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. The creamy base, the sweet crab, and that signature Old Bay flavor make it a dish worth repeating — whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, watching the big game, or just treating yourself on a Saturday night.

Also try these Crab recipes:-

Soumyadip Chatterjee
Founder of easyshrimprecipes.com
Hi, this is Soumyadip, creator of easyshrimprecipes.com. I love cooking and sharing new tasty recipes to the entire world. So what are you waiting for, join me on a delicious journey.

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