Famous Crab Bombs: A Legendary Maryland Recipe
Experience the iconic flavors of Maryland with these Famous Crab Bombs, a legendary recipe featuring jumbo lump crab meat blended with rich seasonings and baked to golden perfection. These savory crab bombs are perfect as an appetizer or main dish, delivering a delightful burst of fresh crab flavor with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 medium or 2 large crab bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Maryland
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Bomb Mixture
- 1 pound Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, well-drained, cartilage removed
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Green Onions or Chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Breadcrumbs (optional, gluten-free if desired)
- 1 pinch Salt and Pepper, to taste
For Baking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted, for drizzling
- 1 whole Lemon, cut into wedges (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, optional breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to distribute the flavors without breaking up the crab lumps.
- Fold Mixture: Use a spatula or your hands to fold the mixture gently, ensuring the crab lumps stay intact and the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Crab Bombs: Shape the mixture into either 4 medium-sized or 2 large crab bombs, depending on your preference. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle each crab bomb with melted butter to enhance browning and add a buttery richness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crab bombs are golden brown, set, and have slightly crispy edges.
- Serve: Serve the crab bombs warm with lemon wedges on the side. Optionally, provide tartar sauce or aioli for dipping to complement the flavors.
Notes
- Handle the mixture gently to keep the jumbo lump crab pieces intact for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but help bind the mixture slightly; use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Old Bay seasoning is key to authentic Maryland crab flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
- Serve these crab bombs as an elegant appetizer or with a side salad for a light meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: Maryland Crab Bombs, Crab Appetizer, Baked Crab Recipe, Seafood Appetizer, Old Bay Crab
