This cheesy dip is made with lump crab meat, spinach and artichoke hearts. It’s delicious and takes less than 20 minutes to make!
You can serve this with crackers, crostini, raw vegetables or chips. It’s the perfect party appetizer!
Ingredients
If you love both spinach artichoke dip and hot crab dip, this mash up will be right up your alley. It combines creamy, delicious lump crab with tender, fresh spinach and four kinds of cheeses baked into a rich and cheesy dish that is perfect for entertaining!
A few of the key ingredients in this spinach crab dip recipe are cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. The sour cream and mayonnaise are used to thicken the dip and to help it hold together better during baking, while the cream cheese adds richness.
You can use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream, or just the sour cream, depending on your preference. The dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator if desired, covered tightly with foil until ready to bake.
Besides the cream cheese, the other main ingredient in this recipe is crab meat. You can purchase it in various forms, including jumbo lump crab, special mix or claw meat. Be sure to check the crab for shells and discard any that are found before using it in this recipe.
This dip also calls for jarred artichoke hearts, which can be purchased in both frozen and canned versions. If you use frozen artichoke hearts, thaw them out completely and drain them well before adding to the dip.
Crab can be either fresh or canned, although it is best to use fresh if possible. You can purchase this product at the seafood counter of a grocery store. It can be a little more expensive than the canned version, but it is definitely worth it!
Another key ingredient in this spinach crab dip is the garlic. Sauteed in a bit of butter, the garlic is added to the dip after it is mixed with the other ingredients. It is a great way to add some flavor without making the dip too spicy or hot.
The mixture is then stirred in with four kinds of cheeses, which are gruyere, parmesan, aged cheddar and mozzarella. This is a rich and cheesy appetizer that will be loved by anyone who tries it!
Prep Time
Crab is always a crowd pleaser, and this dip is a great way to incorporate it into an appetizer that’s perfect for parties! Plus, it’s also incredibly easy to make ahead and store in the fridge for later.
To prep the dip, you’ll need to melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add onion and garlic. Once the onion and garlic are softened, stir in the cream cheese. Continue to mix until the cream cheese is smooth.
Next, you’ll want to combine the Worcestershire, dry mustard, paprika and cayenne pepper. Once the spices are well mixed, add the crab and spinach. Then, stir in the cheeses and season with salt and pepper.
Finally, you’ll want to add the panko breadcrumbs. This creates a beautiful crust that compliments the creamy dip.
You can find panko in most grocery stores, usually positioned along with other breadcrumbs on the shelves. The crumbs are larger and dryer than regular breadcrumbs, so they absorb less moisture and become crispier.
This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a low-carb or gluten free option. It pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini or French bread croutons.
Once you’ve finished preparing the ingredients, it’s time to bake. This recipe needs about 40 minutes to bake in the oven, and then you’ll need to broil it for a few minutes before serving.
When preparing the dip, it’s important to use good quality crab. Canned crab is fine, but it won’t taste as flavorful as fresh crab. You can also use a combination of canned and frozen crab meat, but make sure you drain the canned crab before adding it to the dip.
The best way to ensure the dip is a success is to purchase blocks of cheese and shred them yourself rather than purchasing pre-shredded cheese that will clump up. Using cheese from blocks will also help the dip stay chunky and creamy.
You’ll also want to use fresh spinach. It’s easier to prepare than frozen spinach, and you won’t have to worry about it wilting in the dip. It’s also a great way to save money, since it’s much cheaper than frozen spinach.
Cook Time
A warm, creamy dip that is a delicious accompaniment to toasted bread and crackers. It also makes a delicious appetizer for parties or any time you need to whip up something easy and wholesome!
This cheesy crab spinach dip is best served while it’s hot so you can take advantage of all the wonderful flavors. The combination of the tangy cream cheese, creamy sour cream, Old Bay and worcestershire sauce and the zesty lemon are sure to be a hit!
The dip will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge, or can be frozen. It’s a great recipe to make in advance so you can have a quick and tasty dip when you want it!
To prepare the dip, start by combining all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or food processor to mix the dip until smooth and creamy. Add shredded Parmesan if using, and stir in the crab meat. You can also add a little extra lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavors!
Once the mixture is fully combined, transfer it to a baking dish or oval baker of choice and spread it out evenly. Top with panko breadcrumbs and place in the oven until golden and bubbling, about 15 minutes.
You can serve this cheesy crab dip with crostini, pita chips, or even bread bites for a hearty and satisfying appetizer! This delicious dip pairs beautifully with crisp white wine, light beer, fall days, football, or New England favorites like clam chowder or lobster rolls.
If you’re planning to serve this dip for a party, consider preparing it in advance and then just reheating it when you’re ready. This will save you time and allow you to focus on ensuring the guests have a fun and delicious meal!
The crab dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can then reheat it in the oven according to the recipe instructions. It will probably need to be baked off a bit more than usual, but it’s worth the extra effort!
Total Time
When it comes to creamy cheesy dips, this spinach crab dip recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s loaded with nutty artichoke hearts and juicy lump crab meat, then topped with buttery Ritz crackers for crunchy texture. It’s easy to make, perfect for holidays and game day, and is a great way to impress guests.
This recipe is super easy to prepare, requires just 15 minutes of your time, and will be a hit at any party! It’s also a fantastic make-ahead appetizer, so you can prep it in advance and assemble it when you need it.
You’ll need the following ingredients: cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, crab meat, and garlic powder. You’ll also need lemon juice, which will help the flavors blend together.
Beat the cream cheese first to ensure it’s smooth and creamy before adding the rest of the ingredients. This helps prevent the dip from becoming too chunky and gives you a silky, creamy texture when it’s baked.
Next, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, and crab meat together until well combined. You can use any kind of mayonnaise that you like, but I prefer the classic mayo – it adds a rich tang to this creamy dip.
Crab meat can be purchased canned, frozen, or fresh (refrigerated). I recommend using fresh crab meat if you can find it; it will give your dip an extra depth of flavor.
You can also use backfin crab meat, which is a lower-cost option. Just be sure to thoroughly drain the crab meat before adding it to the dip for the best taste and texture.
Once all the ingredients are combined, bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. You’ll need to watch it closely as it cooks, but the dip should take about 25-30 minutes in a standard baking dish or 20-25 minutes in a cast iron skillet.
You can serve this dip with a variety of foods, such as crostini, crackers, sturdy vegetables, tortilla chips, pretzels, or pita bread. If you’re looking to make this dip extra fancy, consider pairing it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or rose wine, both of which offer notes of citrus and herbs that complement the spicy flavor of this cheesy dip.