15 Must-Try Baltimore Recipes for Your Next Gathering

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

6. Baltimore Crab Cakes

One of the most iconic dishes to come out of Baltimore is the crab cake. These savory morsels are packed with fresh crab meat and seasoned to perfection. They’re perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound lump crab meat
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. In a bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    3. Form the mixture into patties and place them on a baking sheet.
    4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
    5. Serve with a side of tartar sauce or a zesty remoulade.

7. Berger Cookies

No trip to Baltimore is complete without trying a Berger cookie. These sweet treats consist of a soft chocolate cookie topped with a thick layer of chocolate frosting. They are a favorite among locals and sure to impress your guests.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
    4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
    6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
    7. Let the cookies cool before frosting them with melted chocolate.

8. Pit Beef Sandwiches

A Baltimore classic, pit beef sandwiches are a must for any gathering. This dish features beef that is grilled over an open flame and served on a bun with toppings of your choice. The smoky flavor combined with tangy sauces makes this dish irresistible.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 pounds beef eye round
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 4 hamburger buns
    • Your choice of toppings (e.g., horseradish sauce, sliced onions, pickles)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
    2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    3. Grill the beef for about 15 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
    4. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.
    5. Assemble the sandwiches with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

9. Old Bay Seasoned Corn on the Cob

If you’re hosting a summer gathering, Old Bay seasoned corn on the cob is a delightful side that pairs perfectly with any main dish, especially seafood. This simple recipe elevates your corn game to a whole new level!

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 ears of corn, husked
    • 1/4 cup butter, softened
    • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • Instructions:
    1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
    2. Add the corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
    3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with Old Bay seasoning.
    4. Drain the corn and slather with the seasoned butter before serving.

10. Maryland Cream of Crab Soup

This rich and creamy soup is a staple in Maryland cuisine and is perfect for gatherings, especially during the colder months. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with lump crab meat that your guests will love.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup butter
    • 1/2 cup flour
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 pound lump crab meat
    • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
    2. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
    3. Gradually stir in the chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
    4. Add the heavy cream, lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    5. Serve hot, garnished with additional crab meat if desired.

11. Crab Imperial

Crab Imperial is a traditional Maryland dish that showcases the sweet flavor of crab meat, combined with a creamy filling and baked to perfection. It’s a delicious way to showcase local seafood at your gathering.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound lump crab meat
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. In a bowl, gently mix the crab meat with mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
    3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
    4. Serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.

12. Baltimore Style Pizza

Baltimore has its own unique take on pizza, featuring a thin crust and a blend of toppings that sets it apart from the traditional versions found elsewhere. This recipe is a great way to introduce your guests to the local flavor.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pre-made pizza crust
    • 1 cup pizza sauce
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, etc.)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
    2. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
    3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and add your desired toppings.
    4. Bake according to the package instructions or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
    5. Slice and serve hot!

13. Stuffed Ham

Stuffed ham is a beloved dish in Maryland, particularly around holidays and special occasions. This recipe features a ham stuffed with a savory mix of spices and seasonings, making it a delightful centerpiece for your gathering.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
    • 1 cup bread crumbs
    • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
    • 1/4 cup chopped celery
    • 1 tablespoon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
    2. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, green onions, celery, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the stuffing.
    3. Make a pocket in the ham and stuff it with the prepared mixture.
    4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
    5. Bake for about 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
    6. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

14. Maryland Crab Soup

This hearty soup is a combination of fresh vegetables and crab meat, giving it a rich flavor that is comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for a crowd and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 carrots, diced
    • 2 celery stalks, diced
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 can diced tomatoes
    • 1 pound lump crab meat
    • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
    2. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
    3. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
    4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional crab meat if desired.

15. Smith Island Cake

Smith Island Cake is a traditional dessert that features multiple layers of rich cake filled with a creamy frosting. It’s a sweet way to end your gathering on a high note!

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Chocolate frosting for filling and topping
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease round cake pans.
    2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
    4. Gradually add the flour and milk, mixing until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    6. Allow the cakes to cool before layering with chocolate frosting between each layer and on top.

Conclusion

These 15 must-try Baltimore recipes will surely impress your guests at your next gathering. From savory crab cakes to sweet Smith Island cake, each dish showcases the unique flavors of Baltimore’s culinary scene. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and you’ll enjoy the delicious results!

15 Must-Try Baltimore Recipes for Your Next Gathering
Scroll to top