How to Host a Maryland Crab Feast at Home

Quick answer: A great crab feast needs steamed blue crabs, a big pot for a crab boil with corn and potatoes, plenty of Old Bay, melted butter kept warm, and a paper-covered table with mallets and crackers. Here is the full menu, how much to order, and a classic crab boil recipe.

A Maryland crab feast is less a meal than an event. Here is how our family sets one up, from the pot to the paper on the table.

How Much to Order

• Blue crabs: 6 to 12 per adult as the main event.

• Add crab legs or shrimp: 1/2 to 1 pound per person to round out the spread.

• Sides: plan 2 to 3 per person.

Feeding a crowd is easier with a crab feast bundle that packs the crabs, seasoning, and extras together.

The Maryland Crab Boil Recipe

Serves 6

• 1/2 bushel blue crabs, or 4 pounds crab legs

• 6 ears corn, halved

• 2 pounds small red potatoes

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

• 1/2 cup Old Bay or Chesapeake seasoning

• 2 lemons, halved

• Melted butter, to serve

1. Fill a large pot with water, add half the seasoning and the lemons, and bring to a boil.

2. Add the potatoes and cook 10 minutes.

3. Add the sausage and corn and cook 5 minutes.

4. Add the crabs or crab legs and the rest of the seasoning, cover, and cook 10 to 15 minutes until hot through.

5. Drain and pour out onto a paper-covered table. Serve with melted butter.

Classic Crab Feast Sides

• Corn on the cob

• Hush puppies

• Coleslaw

• Potato salad

• Crusty bread

• A Chesapeake crab dip to start

Setting the Table

• Cover the table with brown kraft paper

• A mallet and crackers at each seat

• A butter warmer to keep butter melted

• Bowls for shells and plenty of napkins

• Bibs if you want to keep things tidy

Drinks

Cold beer, iced tea, and lemonade are the classics. Keep it simple and cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much crab per person for a feast?

Plan on 6 to 12 blue crabs per adult, or about 1 to 1.5 pounds of crab legs, plus sides.

What sides go with a crab feast?

Corn, hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, and crusty bread are the classics.

What do you need to set up a crab feast table?

Brown paper, mallets, crackers, a butter warmer, bowls for shells, and plenty of napkins.

Host the whole thing in one order. Our crab feast bundles pack Chesapeake blue crabs, seasoning, and extras together, shipped to your door. Shop crab feast bundles.