Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray (such as Pam)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) sour cream
• cup mayonnaise or creamy salad dressing
• teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), or to taste
• 2 cups fresh lump crabmeat, or more to taste
• cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 small baguette loaves, sliced into about 4 to 5 pieces each

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly spray a glass loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and seafood seasoning. Stir until smooth.
3. Gently fold the crabmeat into the cheese mixture, ensuring the crab remains in large chunks.
4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and top with grated Cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and golden on top.
6. While the dip is baking, arrange the baguette slices on the oven rack. Toast them during the last 5 minutes of baking, until crispy and golden.

Tips:

• Alternatively, you can spread the mixture on halved French bread, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Avoid using claw meat as it tends to be saltier, and steer clear of imitation crab to preserve the flavor of the dip.
• For a lighter option, substitute Neufchtel cheese for cream cheese it has a similar taste but less fat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	409
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	748mg
Total Carbohydrate	35g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	18g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	158mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	278mg

Servings per recipe: 8

Note: The nutritional values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

Hot Maryland Crab Dip is a beloved American appetizer, originating from the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland. This dish celebrates the region's renowned blue crab, often regarded as one of the best-tasting crabs in the world. Rich, creamy, and full of crab flavor, it has become a staple at many gatherings, from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations.

History and Origins

The origins of Maryland Crab Dip trace back to the early 20th century when local fishermen and their families would prepare dishes featuring the abundant crab harvest from the Chesapeake Bay. Crabs were integral to Marylands culture, especially in Baltimore, where the crabbing industry boomed. The dip itself became popular in the 1980s, often served as an appetizer at Marylands seafood festivals and restaurant menus. Over the years, it evolved from a simple combination of crab and cheese into a rich, baked dip with creamy ingredients like sour cream and cream cheese, making it a comfort food for many.

Regional Characteristics

Marylands cuisine is heavily influenced by the abundant resources found in the Chesapeake Bay, with crabs taking center stage in most dishes. In Maryland Crab Dip, fresh lump crab meat is the star, with Old Bay seasoninga blend of herbs and spices originally created in the statebeing a key ingredient. This seasoning adds a distinctive flavor that Marylanders proudly associate with their culinary identity. Though the dip may be served throughout the United States, it remains a quintessential dish in Maryland, representing the states deep connection to the bay and its seafood traditions.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Hot Maryland Crab Dip is often compared to other crab dips, but it stands out for its distinctive use of Old Bay seasoning, which gives it a unique flavor that is not commonly found in other crab dip recipes. Unlike dips that use imitation crab, Maryland Crab Dip always features real lump crab meat, ensuring a fresh, sweet, and delicate crab flavor. Additionally, the use of a creamy base made from mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream sets it apart from simpler cold crab dips, which may not have the same richness or depth of flavor.

Where It's Served

Maryland Crab Dip is commonly served as an appetizer at various events, including family gatherings, holiday dinners, and outdoor barbecues. It is also a popular dish at seafood restaurants in Maryland, often paired with warm baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Many Marylanders also enjoy it with soft pretzels, a local favorite, which perfectly complements the dip's creamy texture. Whether served at a beachside barbecue or as part of a holiday spread, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser.

Interesting Facts

• Old Bay seasoning, a hallmark of Maryland cuisine, was created in Baltimore in the 1940s and is now a staple in seafood dishes across the U.S.
• Maryland's crabbing industry is one of the oldest in the country, with blue crab harvesting dating back to the early 1800s.
• Hot Maryland Crab Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for parties and events. The flavors tend to meld together better when left to sit overnight.
• The Chesapeake Bay is one of the largest estuaries in the world and provides more than half of the nations blue crab catch each year.

FAQ about Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

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