Dive into a world of flavor with our irresistible Maryland Crab Dip Pretzel! This decadent dish combines the rich creaminess of crab dip with the delightful crunch of warm pretzel bites, making it the ultimate appetizer for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a party or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper. Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 package pretzel bites
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 5 minutes to ensure smooth blending.
- Add mayonnaise to the cream cheese and whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shell fragments, being gentle to preserve the large crab meat chunks.
- Fold the lump crab meat into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to break up the crab meat pieces.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped green onions to the mixture. Gently stir to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to maintain the crab meat's integrity.
- Transfer the crab dip mixture into an oven-safe serving dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the pretzel bites around the edges of the dish and on top of the crab dip.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the pretzel bites are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dip to set and prevent burning.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm with extra pretzel bites on the side.
Tips
- Quality Crab Meat: For the best flavor, use high-quality lump crab meat. Fresh or canned crab meat can work, but make sure to check for any shell fragments before mixing.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to blend and create a smooth dip.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. A touch of Old Bay seasoning can also add a nice kick!
- Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
- Serve Immediately: This dip is best enjoyed warm. Serve it right out of the oven to keep the pretzel bites crispy and the dip deliciously gooey.
- Pairing Suggestions: Consider serving this dip with a side of extra pretzel bites or even fresh veggies for a delightful contrast in textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
