Spicy Maryland Crab Dip combines the rich, sweet flavor of crab with a zesty twist, making it an irresistible appetizer. Inspired by Maryland’s love for crab seasoned with Old Bay, these recipes add a spicy dimension to the classic dish. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a quiet night in, a Spicy Maryland Crab Dip is sure to impress. Here are multiple ways to enjoy this beloved favorite, each with a unique twist.
1. Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat, carefully checked for shells
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, half of the cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Old Bay and serve with sliced baguettes or crackers.
2. Spicy Crab Dip with Roasted Corn
Ingredients:
- Ingredients from the Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
- 1 cup roasted corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Follow the Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip recipe, adding the roasted corn, red bell pepper, and jalapeño to the mixture before baking. Top with a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.
3. Crockpot Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
Ingredients:
- Ingredients from the Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Let cool.
- Combine sautéed onion and garlic with the rest of the ingredients from the Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip in a crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy.
- Serve warm with toasted bread or tortilla chips.
4. Spicy Maryland Crab Dip with Artichokes
Ingredients:
- Ingredients from the Classic Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
Instructions: Combine all ingredients, substituting half of the cheddar with Asiago cheese and adding chopped artichokes. Bake as directed in the Classic recipe for a dip that has a delightful tang and additional texture.
5. Lightened-Up Spicy Maryland Crab Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese or light cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
Instructions: Follow the Classic recipe, substituting full-fat ingredients with their lighter counterparts and adding chives for a fresh twist. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden, offering a guilt-free yet flavorful take on the traditional dip.
Each of these Spicy Maryland Crab Dip recipes offers a unique take on a beloved classic, allowing you to customize the dish to suit any occasion or taste preference. Enjoy experimenting with these variations, and delight your guests with the rich and spicy flavors of Maryland crab.
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