Creamy Maryland Crab Dip with Garlic Herb Crust
A rich and creamy Maryland Crab Dip featuring a blend of cheeses, tender crab meat, and a hint of garlic and herbs, topped with a crispy panko and herb topping for added texture.
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish or shallow baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Small saucepan
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb jumbo lump or lump crab meat drained [450 g]
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese softened [225 g]
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese [30 g]
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese [30 g]
- 2 tbsp sour cream [30 ml]
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise [60 ml]
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce [15 ml]
- 1 tsp hot sauce [5 ml]
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice [15 ml]
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning [15 g]
Aromatics & Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, plus more for garnish
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs [30 g]
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese [15 g]
- 2 tbsp melted butter [30 g]
Miscellaneous
- 1 olive oil cooking spray
- 1 sliced and toasted baguette for dipping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare the Dip Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add Aromatics, Crab, and Cheese
- Gently fold in the garlic, chives, and parsley, followed by the crab meat, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to break up the crab meat to maintain its texture.
Assemble and Add Topping
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with the spatula and sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese until well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the dip.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling at the edges.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or your choice of dipping options.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This dip can also be served with fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers for a lighter option.
Notes
- Lighter Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter milk option like almond milk for a lower-calorie version. For a non-alcoholic substitute for wine, use a mixture of broth and lemon juice.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have tartar sauce, you can use mayonnaise with a bit of pickle juice or lemon juice. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried ones, but use a smaller quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking. If the dip includes a sauce, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to maintain its consistency.
Quick Tips
- Thickening the Dip: If the dip is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the dip, simmering until thickened.
- Improving Texture: To add a bit of crunch, top the dip with toasted breadcrumbs or nuts just before serving.
- Making it Crispier: For a crispy finish, place the dip under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
- Starches: Pair with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a light pasta like angel hair to soak up the dip.
- Grains: A side of quinoa or wild rice adds a healthy grain option to balance the meal.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in Protein: The jumbo lump crab meat is a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins: This recipe includes fresh parsley, providing vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune health.
- Fiber-Rich: The dip with added vegetables contributes to daily fiber intake, aiding digestion.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion Sizes: Serve 1/4 cup per person for a balanced appetizer.
- Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color.
- Complementary Beverages: Pair with a light white wine or a sparkling water with a splash of citrus for a refreshing balance.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare in Advance: You can chop vegetables and prepare the dip mixture a day ahead to save time.
- Storage for Meal Prep: Portion the dip into meal prep containers and store in the fridge for grab-and-go meals during the week.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the crab meat with a combination of mushrooms and artichokes for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-based ingredients with coconut milk or a plant-based cream to make it dairy-free.
- Optional Add-ins: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat or some grated vegan cheese for extra richness.
