Description
This Maryland Crab Dip Pretzel recipe combines creamy, cheesy crab dip with soft, warm pretzels for a perfect party appetizer or seafood snack. The blend of lump crab meat, sharp cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning captures the flavors of Maryland’s coast, baked together on soft pretzels for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Dip
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pretzels
- 1 package (16 oz) soft pretzel dough or 4 large soft pretzels
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dip: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the crab too much to maintain texture.
- Prepare Pretzels: If using pretzel dough, shape it into large soft pretzels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Partially bake the pretzels for 10 minutes to set their shape.
- Add Crab Dip on Pretzels: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared crab dip onto each partially baked pretzel, spreading evenly. If using pre-made soft pretzels, place them on a lined baking sheet and top each with the crab dip directly.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake the pretzels with crab dip in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the pretzels are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Right after baking, brush the edges of the pretzels with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the creamy crab dip with soft pretzels.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use frozen soft pretzels baked according to package directions before adding warmed crab dip.
- This recipe can be adapted as a pull-apart bread or as a baked crab dip served with pretzel bites on the side.
- Be gentle folding in the crab meat to preserve lump pieces and texture.
- If you prefer more spice, sprinkle extra Old Bay seasoning over the top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab dip pretzel
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
