Dinner

Crab Dip (Best Maryland Style) Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Introduction

This Maryland Style Crab Dip is a rich and creamy appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Packed with fresh lump crab meat and a blend of tangy and savory flavors, it bakes to a bubbly, cheesy perfection that’s sure to impress.

The dish is a creamy dip served in a round cast iron pan, with a thick, golden-orange melted cheese layer covering a smooth, white creamy layer beneath it. The top cheese layer is dotted with small green chopped scallions. Along the edge of the pan, toasted round bread slices with visible herbs are placed partially dipped into the dip. A silver spoon scoops up a portion, revealing the creamy, slightly chunky texture from underneath the melted cheese. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and a small part of a white bowl with green celery sticks is visible near the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
1 and 1/4 cups (155g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 and 3/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 pound fresh lump crab meat
Optional: 2 dashes of hot sauce (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed with a handheld or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, ground mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold in the lump crab meat using a spoon or silicone spatula. Taste and adjust hot sauce if desired.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch (or slightly larger) baking pan, pie dish, or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Serve warm with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, try adding a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley before baking.
If lump crab meat is unavailable, high-quality canned crab can be used, though fresh is best for flavor and texture.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through to preserve flavor and texture.