Description
This Maryland Crab Dip Pretzel is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring lump crab meat blended with rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and a blend of seasonings including Old Bay and Worcestershire sauce. Served warm with fresh jumbo soft pretzels, this dip brings a taste of Maryland to your table, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Dip
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ¼ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pinch garlic salt
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
To Serve
- 2 jumbo fresh soft pretzels (found in the bread aisle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Dip Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, milk, garlic salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the Crab Meat and Cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and shredded cheddar cheese, being careful not to break up the crab too much to maintain texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to warm the dip through and melt the cheese nicely.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the crab mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and hot, and the cheese has melted and begun to brown slightly on top.
- Warm the Pretzels: While the dip is baking, warm the fresh jumbo soft pretzels in the oven for a few minutes or according to package instructions to serve warm.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the baked crab dip from the oven and serve it hot with the warm pretzels for dipping. Enjoy this delicious Maryland treat right away.
Notes
- You can substitute Old Bay seasoning with a similar seafood spice blend if unavailable.
- For extra richness, sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- If you cannot find fresh soft pretzels, bagels or crusty bread work as alternative dippers.
- To reduce sodium, adjust the amount of garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce used.
- Make sure to handle the lump crab meat gently to keep large chunks intact for better texture.
