Famous Crab Bombs: A Legendary Maryland Recipe You Need to Try
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Today we’re diving into one of Maryland’s most iconic seafood treasures: the Famous Crab Bombs. If you’ve ever asked, “What is the famous Crab Bomb?” or wondered how it stacks up against classic crab cakes, you’re in for a treat. This recipe focuses on letting fresh, jumbo lump crab meat shine—perfectly seasoned, barely bound, and baked to golden, buttery perfection.
Stick around to learn its history, what sets it apart from other crab dishes, and step-by-step tips to make your own right at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a taste of the Chesapeake Bay, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Discovering the Charm of Famous Crab Bombs
The Origins of a Maryland Classic
The story of Famous Crab Bombs begins on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, where blue crabs are a way of life. This region has long been celebrated for its vibrant seafood culture, but it’s the Crab Bomb that has captured hearts far beyond Maryland. Unlike any other crab dish, it stands out for its generous portions of sweet, succulent crab meat and its minimal use of fillers. This approach keeps the focus where it should be—on the fresh seafood itself.
What Sets Crab Bombs Apart From Crab Cakes
If you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between a Crab Bomb and a crab cake?”, you’re not alone. While crab cakes often mix crab with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and spices for texture and bulk, Crab Bombs take the opposite route. They skip the extras to deliver a rich, pure crab flavor in every bite. Each Crab Bomb is a hefty sphere of jumbo lump crab meat, delicately bound with just enough ingredients to hold it together as it bakes to golden perfection.
From Local Favorite to Culinary Star
What started as a beloved menu item at Jerry’s Seafood has grown into a dish that draws tourists and food enthusiasts from across the country. It’s no surprise people ask, “What is a famous crab dish?”, and Crab Bombs often top the list. Their reputation has only grown thanks to word of mouth, glowing reviews, and countless home cooks eager to bring the taste of Maryland to their own dinner tables.
Why Famous Crab Bombs Are a Must-Try for Seafood Lovers
A True Crab Lover’s Dream: Minimal Filler, Maximum Flavor
One of the biggest reasons Famous Crab Bombs have gained such a cult following is their simplicity. Unlike traditional crab cakes, these oversized delicacies are packed with jumbo lump crab meat and barely any filler. This means every bite is sweet, buttery, and bursting with the pure essence of fresh crab. When people compare the two, it’s no wonder they often ask, “What’s the difference between a Crab Bomb and a crab cake?” The answer is simple: Crab Bombs are designed to let the seafood do all the talking.
The Signature Ingredients That Make All the Difference
What goes into creating the perfect Crab Bomb? The magic lies in a handful of quality ingredients: jumbo lump crab meat, a touch of mayonnaise for moisture, egg to bind, Dijon mustard for a gentle kick, Worcestershire sauce for depth, and of course, Old Bay seasoning—a Maryland staple. Some cooks add finely chopped chives or green onions for a hint of freshness, while others drizzle melted butter on top before baking. This is why you’ll hear foodies rave about Jerry’s Crab Bomb recipe—it follows the same philosophy of letting crab remain the star.
How Famous Crab Bombs Became a Cultural Icon
Crab Bombs aren’t just food; they’re an experience. Born in the Chesapeake Bay region, they started as a signature dish at Jerry’s Seafood and have since become a bucket-list item for anyone visiting Maryland. But you don’t have to book a flight to enjoy this indulgence at home. With the right recipe and a few insider tips, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
The Ultimate Famous Crab Bombs Recipe You Can Make at Home
Bringing Restaurant-Quality Crab Bombs to Your Kitchen
If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the luxurious Famous Crab Bombs served in Maryland seafood restaurants, this step-by-step guide is your answer. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. With just a few easy steps, you’ll be serving up a showstopping seafood dish that rivals the original.
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Famous Crab Bombs: A Legendary Maryland Recipe You Need to Try
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 crab bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Description
These Famous Crab Bombs are buttery, golden, and packed with jumbo lump crab meat—restaurant-quality flavor made easy at home.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted, for drizzling
- 1 whole Lemon, cut into wedges (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, optional breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the mixture carefully with a spatula or your hands to preserve the crab lumps.
- Shape the mixture into 4 medium or 2 large crab bombs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Drizzle each crab bomb with melted butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and set, with slightly crispy edges.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and, optionally, tartar sauce or aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh jumbo lump crab meat for best results.
- Skip breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Handle the mixture gently to avoid breaking the crab lumps.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab bomb
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Famous Crab Bombs, Maryland crab recipe, easy crab bombs, seafood appetizer, jumbo lump crab recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for Famous Crab Bombs
Crab Bomb Mixture:
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, well-drained and cartilage removed
- 2 tablespoons full-fat mayonnaise
- 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; use gluten-free if desired)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for drizzling)
To Serve:
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: Tartar sauce or aioli for dipping

Instructions: Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Gently
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat with mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, and optional breadcrumbs. Use a spatula or your hands to fold the ingredients carefully, preserving the integrity of the large crab lumps.

Step 3: Shape the Crab Bombs
Form the mixture into four medium-sized or two large crab bombs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each one for even cooking.