Maryland-style Crab Dip


 Cuisine: American  Type: Accompaniment

Maryland-style Crab Dip : Accompaniment in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Crab Meat
1 pound (454)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (227)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (240)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (240)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 teaspoons (10)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (5)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (15)
Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon (5)
Green Onions
2 stalks (30)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (5)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (5)
Crackers Or Chips (For Serving)
to taste (to taste)
 Totals
53 oz (1,491 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Cream Cheese
800
Mayonnaise
900
Old Bay Seasoning
0
Worcestershire Sauce
20
Lemon Juice
10
Dijon Mustard
5
Garlic Powder
10
Onion Powder
10
Crab Meat
200
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
400
Green Onions
10
Parsley
5
 Totals
2,370 kcal

 Steps 


1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the large chunks. Ensure that the crab meat is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

4. Transfer the crab dip mixture into a shallow baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.

5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the crab dip, covering it completely.

6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

7. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serve the Maryland-style crab dip warm with your choice of crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

9. Enjoy the rich and flavorful crab dip as a delicious appetizer or snack.

 Substitutions 


- Crab meat: Substitute with canned or imitation crab meat. Adjust the quantity as needed.
- Cream cheese: Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Use the same quantity as the original recipe.
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with plain yogurt or sour cream. Use the same quantity as the original recipe.
- Old Bay seasoning: Create a homemade substitute by combining equal parts celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, and ground nutmeg. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or fish sauce. Use the same quantity as the original recipe.
- Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice or white vinegar. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Dijon mustard: Substitute with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. Use the same quantity as the original recipe.
- Garlic powder: Substitute with minced fresh garlic. Use 1 clove of garlic for every 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Hot sauce: Substitute with cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the quantity to taste, based on personal preference.

Note: The adjustments mentioned above are general guidelines and may need to be further adjusted based on personal taste preferences.

 Pairings 


- Toasted baguette slices
- Saltine crackers
- Pretzel bites
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sliced radishes
- Pita chips
- Soft pretzels
- Fried calamari
- Grilled shrimp
- Fried oysters
- Lobster tail bites
- Clam chowder
- Lobster bisque
- Seafood gumbo
- Old Bay seasoned fries
- Coleslaw
- Fried green tomatoes
- Fried pickles
- Hush puppies
- Fried chicken wings
- Buffalo wings
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork sliders
- Cornbread
- Baked beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sweet potato fries
- Fried okra
- Collard greens
- Key lime pie
- Apple pie
- Peach cobbler
- Banana pudding
- Lemon bars
- Vanilla ice cream
- Root beer float
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Craft beer
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Light-bodied red wine
- Sparkling water

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the crab dip with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve the dip in individual ramekins or small ceramic dishes for an elegant touch.
- Create a decorative pattern on top of the dip using a squeeze bottle filled with sriracha or aioli.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a touch of Old Bay seasoning to enhance the authentic Maryland-style flavor.
- Incorporate finely diced red bell peppers or jalapenos for a slight crunch and added heat.
- Mix in a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream to make the dip creamier and richer in flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use jumbo lump crab meat instead of regular crab meat for larger, more succulent chunks.
- Substitute regular mayonnaise with homemade aioli for a gourmet twist.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan or Gruyere cheese on top and broil until golden and bubbly.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content.
- Substitute mayonnaise with a light or low-fat version to lower the calorie and fat content.
- Opt for whole wheat or whole grain crackers instead of regular crackers to increase fiber intake.
- Replace regular salt with a low-sodium alternative to reduce sodium intake.
- Consider using lump crab meat instead of claw meat to decrease the amount of cholesterol.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or onions for added nutrients and fiber.
- Use fresh herbs and spices like dill, parsley, or paprika instead of excessive salt or seasoning mixes.
- Serve with vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrot, or zucchini instead of crackers for a gluten-free option.
- For lactose intolerance, use lactose-free cream cheese or yogurt as a substitute.
- For those following a vegan diet, replace crab meat with mashed chickpeas or artichoke hearts for a plant-based alternative.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the amount of fat and calories.
- Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese.
- Increase the proportion of crab meat to other ingredients for a higher protein content.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread crumbs instead of white bread crumbs for added fiber.
- Reduce the amount of salt by using low-sodium Old Bay seasoning or other spices and herbs for flavor.
- Serve with whole grain crackers or sliced vegetables instead of regular crackers for a healthier option.
- Consider baking or grilling the dip instead of frying it to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Use fresh, locally sourced crab meat if possible for better quality and taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of fried onions for added flavor and nutrients.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use canned crab meat: Opt for good quality canned crab meat instead of fresh crab to save time and money without compromising flavor.
2. Simplify the ingredients: Stick to essential ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to save time and reduce costs.
3. Pre-shred cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself to save time during preparation.
4. Skip the breadcrumbs: Eliminate breadcrumbs from the recipe to save time and reduce costs without significantly altering the taste.
5. Use a food processor: Speed up the mixing process by using a food processor to blend the ingredients together quickly and efficiently.
6. Make ahead and refrigerate: Prepare the crab dip in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and saving time on the day of serving.
7. Serve with crackers: Instead of making homemade bread or chips, serve the crab dip with store-bought crackers to save time and effort.
8. Opt for a smaller batch: Adjust the recipe quantities to make a smaller batch if you're cooking for fewer people, saving both time and ingredients.
9. Substitute with imitation crab: If cost is a significant concern, consider using imitation crab meat as a more affordable alternative that still provides a similar flavor profile.
10. Explore frozen options: Look for frozen crab meat or pre-made crab dip at your local grocery store, as they can be convenient and cost-effective alternatives to making it from scratch.