Go Back

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 145 kcal

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.
Keyword Crab Dip, Creamy Dip, Easy Appetizer, Garlic Herb, Hot Dip, Party Snack