how to host a maryland crab boil!

get a boiling pot

Get a large pot to boil on the stove or order a stockpot if
you want to boil many at once. You will also need a pair of
tongs for maneuvering the crabs in and out of the pot.
You may want salt or Old Bay seasoning as well.

choose your sides

Great options to serve alongside crab include cornbread,
grilled veggies, coleslaw, cheese grits, toasted baguettes,
or red beans and rice.

prep condiments

Make sure you have condiments on hand. We suggest
lemon, butter, and hot sauce.

You can also add potatoes, corn on the cob, or sausage into the pot when you boil the crabs.

plan the decor

You can go all out with a nautical theme or just keep it
casual and summery with bright colors. Try a galvanized
bucket for serving iced drinks and hang some string lights
if you’re outside.

prepare for a mess

Eating crab can get messy, so provide your guests with
towelettes or napkins. Crab boils are casual, so don’t
hesitate to put a paper towel roll on the table in
place of napkins.

boil the crab

There are many recipes out there for boiling crab that
require varying levels of cooking experience.
Here’s a simple recipe for a first time boiler.

serve

It’s seafood boil tradition to dump out the pot on the
table and let everyone help themselves. Make sure to
put down foil first or layers of newspaper for easy
clean up.

Provide skewers so people can help
themselves to potatoes and sausage. Leave bowls on
the table for guests to dispose of corn cobs and shells.