Maryland Crab Dip recipe

Maryland crab season isn’t over yet! Typically the crab season in Maryland runs from April through December and the biggest crabs are caught between September and November. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy eating crabs and a super popular item on many restaurant menus is Maryland Crab Dip. It works as a great appetizer and as football season approaches, would be an awesome game day treat at any party.

The recipe below comes straight from the Greene Turtle, a local Maryland restaurant staple with over 30 locations throughout the state and in DC. It’s a fun neighborhood sports bar and grille where they “believe in being a community hangout for all ages, that serves great food and drinks in a fun, casual atmosphere, built on the excitement and unity of sports.” Check out their website: https://thegreeneturtle.com/.

Crab Dip Ingredients

*3 lbs cream cheese
*1 cup mayonnaise
*1 tbsp hot sauce (to taste)
*1 1/2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
*2 tsp garlic powder
*2 lbs crabmeat (recommended to use lump and claw)
*1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Put it All Together

Step 1: Using a large saucepan or pot, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices and cook over low heat stirring frequently.

Step 2: Continue stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the ingredients are blended

Step 3: Fold in the crabmeat until evenly distributed (Note: if using fresh Maryland crabs, be sure to remove all shell pieces and handle the crabmeat carefully to maintain the larger pieces of crab so you can have a “lumpy” texture to your dip)

Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a baking pan and spread evenly. Bake at 425 degrees for approx. 10 minutes.

Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and add more Old Bay seasoning for taste and color.

Step 6: Return to the oven and bake until cheese has thoroughly melted, approx. 3 minutes.

What to Eat it With

At the Greene Turtle, it is served with soft Bavarian Pretzel sticks and slices of lemon wedges. You can also serve it with a warm French baguette, saltines, or any other kind of bread or cracker that you like. Enjoy!

Looking for other local Maryland recipes? Find them here! https://chesapeake-inspired.com/category/food-drink/local-recipes/