Description
This Maryland Crab Dip Pretzel recipe combines creamy, cheesy crab dip with soft, warm pretzel dough for a delicious appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Featuring a flavorful blend of lump crab meat, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning baked atop a golden pretzel base, these bites bring a taste of the Mid-Atlantic seafood tradition to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crab dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
For the pretzel base:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 4 cups water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Optional garnish:
- Chopped chives or parsley
- Extra cheese
- Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Make the crab dip: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and optional dry mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the lumps too much to maintain texture. Set the dip aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the pretzel base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the pizza dough into 4 to 6 pieces, rolling each into a ball before flattening slightly into thick discs or shaping into mini pizzas. In a pot, bring the water and baking soda to a simmer. Carefully dip each dough round into this solution for about 30 seconds, then remove and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel round with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt to create that classic pretzel crust.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the crab dip into the center of each pretzel dough round, leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent overflow. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning over the top for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the pretzels are golden brown and the crab dip is hot and bubbly. Once done, garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley and serve warm for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- These pretzel crab dips make excellent party snacks or game-day appetizers.
- You can alternatively make one large pretzel crust and spread the crab dip over it like a savory flatbread.
- For a spicier kick, additional Old Bay seasoning can be added to the dip or sprinkled on top before baking.
- Ensure crab meat is thoroughly picked to avoid any shell fragments.
- Use fresh herbs as garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mid-Atlantic
