Let's talk blue crabs. These unusually hued crustaceans, harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, are renowned for an appearance as impressive as their meat is delicious. Particularly revered on the East Coast, they're perfect in Maryland-style crab cakes, pasta sauces, and more. Here are some of our favorite blue crab recipes. For a primer on how to clean them and remove the meat, see our guide »

Crab cakes are all too often dry and tough. When contributor Judy Haubert was trying to make a gluten-free crab cake, she inadvertently solved the problem. Using almond meal instead of wheat flour provides structure without becoming starchy, making the cakes moister and more tender than their traditional counterpart.

In Maryland, no party is complete without crab dip. Chef Bryan Voltaggio makes a loaded with artichokes and spinach and topped with crispy pepperoni and cracker crumbs. For something a little more traditional, try crab meat, cream, and Parmesan cheese flavored with garlic, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning.

Sweet, briny blue crab adds depth to a variety of soups. Our incredibly rich cream of crab soup is a simple base of half & half, flour, yellow onion, and Old Bay that lets the crab be the star. Partan bree is a Scottish crab bisque flavored with fennel and sherry and enriched with rice.

Find all of these dishes and more in our collection of our favorite blue crab recipes.