Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip combines creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, tender crab meat, and flavorful artichokes into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this dip is both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella (freshly shredded)
- 10 ounces baby spinach (fresh)
- 6 ounces jar marinated artichokes (drained)
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, reduce heat to low and whisk in the flour. Gradually add the half and half, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Step 2: Increase heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Step 3: Add spinach in small handfuls, stirring each batch until wilted before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is evenly coated and wilted.
- Step 4: Lower heat to low and gently fold in the drained artichokes and lump crab meat. Stir carefully to coat without breaking up the crab or artichokes.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until blended.
- Step 6: Transfer the dip to a baking dish or leave it in the cast iron skillet. Place under the broiler for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the broiler and sprinkle with chopped chives. Allow the dip to cool slightly before serving with crostini, crackers, or warm bread. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a cheesier dip, add extra mozzarella or Parmesan to the mix before broiling.
- Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach that is thoroughly drained if fresh is unavailable.
- Use lump crab meat for best texture; canned crab can be used in a pinch.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture. This dip can also be frozen, but the texture of the spinach may change slightly upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to the point before broiling and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, broil as directed.
What can I serve with crab spinach artichoke dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, warm bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like sliced bell peppers and cucumbers.
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Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Made with fresh spinach, tender lump crab meat, marinated artichokes, and a rich cheese sauce, this dip is broiled to golden perfection and topped with fresh chives for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Base Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Cheeses
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella (freshly shredded)
Vegetables & Seafood
- 10 ounces baby spinach (fresh)
- 6 ounce jar marinated artichokes (drained)
- 1 pound lump crab meat
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for topping)
Instructions
- Make the roux and sauce base: In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour. Gradually add the half and half, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add flavoring and soften cream cheese: Increase heat to medium-low, then add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and dijon mustard. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Wilt the spinach: Add a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach at a time, stirring until the first batch wilts before adding more. Continue until all spinach is incorporated and evenly coated in the sauce.
- Incorporate artichokes and crab meat: Reduce heat to low, then gently fold in the drained marinated artichokes and lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the crab meat lumps or the artichoke pieces.
- Add cheeses: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until well mixed.
- Broil for a golden top: Transfer the dip to a baking dish or leave it in the cast iron skillet. Place under the broiler for 5-6 minutes or until the cheese on top is slightly browned and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with finely chopped chives, let the dip cool slightly, then serve warm with crostini, crackers, or warm bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach may release too much liquid.
- Be gentle when mixing crab meat to keep the lumps intact for a more appealing texture.
- Keep an eye on the dip under the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered in the oven before broiling.
- Serve with crunchy accompaniments like crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crab dip, spinach artichoke dip, seafood appetizer, cheesy dip, party dip, crab spinach artichoke
