Famous Crab Bombs with lemon wedges and butter drizzle
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Famous Crab Bombs: A Legendary Maryland Recipe You Need to Try

At homeasyrecipes.com, we believe that food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about memories, tradition, and bringing people together. Hi, I’m Anna, the voice behind this little online kitchen. This site began as a heartfelt project inspired by my grandmother Mary, whose love for cooking turned every meal into a celebration. Here, I’ve made it my mission to simplify classic recipes so anyone—whether you’re a kitchen newbie or seasoned cook—can create something wonderful without stress.

From quick weeknight dinners to indulgent weekend feasts, homeasyrecipes.com is where you’ll find real recipes for real life. No over-complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just food that tastes amazing and fits into your day. My goal is to make home cooking feel less like a checklist and more like a joy. And yes, there’s plenty of room for desserts here because let’s be honest, life’s too short to skip cake.

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 with lemon wedges and butter drizzle

Famous Crab Bombs: A Legendary Maryland Recipe You Need to Try

  • Author: Anna
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. 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.
  3. Fold the mixture carefully with a spatula or your hands to preserve the crab lumps.
  4. Shape the mixture into 4 medium or 2 large crab bombs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
  5. Drizzle each crab bomb with melted butter.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and set, with slightly crispy edges.
  7. 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
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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.

Famous Crab Bombs mixture in preparation
Preparing the Famous Crab Bombs mixture

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.

ding" id="step-4-add-the-finishing-touch">Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle melted butter over each crab bomb for extra richness and to promote that signature golden finish.

Shaping Famous Crab Bombs on baking sheet
Shaping the Famous Crab Bombs for baking

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crab bombs are golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side. For a complete seafood feast, pair your crab bombs with a fresh salad or a side of tartar sauce.

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Looking for inspiration? Try pairing these with our Crispy Seafood Poppers or serving them alongside a creamy seafood pasta dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Famous Crab Bombs Every Time

  • Always use fresh jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Handle the mixture delicately to avoid breaking the crab pieces.
  • For a gluten-free version, skip the breadcrumbs entirely or use a gluten-free alternative.
  • Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment—these are best eaten straight from the oven.

Famous Crab Bombs vs. Crab Cakes – What’s the Real Difference?

Understanding the Difference: Crab Bombs vs. Crab Cakes

Many seafood lovers have asked the same question: “What’s the difference between a Crab Bomb and a crab cake?” At first glance, they may seem similar, but these two iconic dishes are quite distinct in their preparation and flavor.

The Famous C

rab Bombs focus on showcasing crab meat in its purest form. They’re larger than traditional crab cakes and use minimal binding ingredients, which allows the sweet flavor of jumbo lump crab meat to stand out. In contrast, crab cakes often include breadcrumbs, celery, bell peppers, and other fillers to bulk up the mixture and add texture. While crab cakes are flavorful in their own right, Crab Bombs are for the true crab purist.

Texture and Flavor: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Famous Crab Bombs Traditional Crab Cakes
Size Large, baseball-sized portions Smaller, palm-sized patties
Filler Ingredients Minimal (often none) Includes breadcrumbs and veggies
Crab Meat Texture Jumbo lumps intact Flaked and mixed thoroughly
Flavor Focus Pure crab sweetness Seasonings and mixed flavors

As this table shows, the key lies in how much—or how little—the natural crab flavor is altered. For a truly decadent seafood experience, many say the Crab Bomb reigns supreme.

Why Crab Bombs Are Considered a Famous Crab Dish

When people search for “What is a famous crab dish?”, Maryland’s Crab Bombs often appear alongside classics like crab imperial and she-crab soup. Their popularity stems not just from their size but also from the luxurious texture and clean taste of the crab. Unlike heavily seasoned crab cakes, Crab Bombs let the freshness of the seafood shine, earning them a loyal following among chefs and home cooks alike.

Discover great ideas

like Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab if you’re looking to expand your seafood recipe collection.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Famous Crab Bombs

Choosing the Best Crab Meat for Authentic Flavor

The foundation of any great Famous Crab Bombs recipe is high-quality crab meat. For the most authentic Maryland-style taste, opt for jumbo lump crab meat. It’s prized for its large, delicate chunks and naturally sweet flavor. Avoid canned crab meat if possible, as it often lacks the freshness and texture needed for this recipe.

When shopping, look for crab meat that’s labeled as “hand-picked” or “pasteurized” for the best results. And remember: freshness is key to achieving that restaurant-quality flavor.