Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and a mix of cheeses creates a luscious, velvety dip.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Lump crab meat and artichoke hearts provide a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings and cheese blend to suit your personal preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dip in advance and bake it just before serving, making it convenient for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ – ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Hot sauce, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup thinly-sliced scallions
- 2 cups coarsely chopped artichoke hearts (from two 14-ounce cans, rinsed and drained well, or about a 12-ounce bag of frozen, defrosted and excess water pressed out)
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for cartilage
- Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 2 to 3-quart baking dish (such as a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet) with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, a few dashes of hot sauce, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano until well combined.
- Add Cheeses and Scallions: Using a spoon or spatula, fold in ½ cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ½ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the sliced scallions until combined.
- Incorporate Artichokes and Crab: Gently fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and lump crabmeat, being careful to leave some larger chunks of crab intact. Season the mixture with salt, freshly-ground black pepper, and additional hot sauce to taste.
- Assemble the Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, toss together the remaining ¼ cup of Monterey Jack and ¼ cup of sharp cheddar cheese, then sprinkle this cheese mixture over the top of the dip.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven until the dip is hot and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. If desired, you can place the dip under the broiler for a minute or two to brown the cheese on top, watching it closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley and additional sliced scallions, if desired. Serve warm with sliced baguette, crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, or crudités.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 to 16 servings, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Preparation Time: About 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: For a spicier dip, substitute pepper jack cheese for the Monterey Jack and increase the amount of hot sauce to taste.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Add Old Bay seasoning to the mixture for a classic seafood flavor. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust according to your preference.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as chopped chives, parsley, or dill to add a fresh, aromatic element to the dip.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
What type of crab meat is best for this dip?
Lump crabmeat is recommended for its balance of flavor and texture. It consists of broken pieces of jumbo lump and special grade crabmeat, providing both larger chunks and finer shreds.
Can I use canned crabmeat?
Yes, pasteurized
Print
Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy appetizer that blends lump crab meat, artichoke hearts, and a rich mix of cheeses for an indulgent dip. Perfect for parties, this warm and flavorful dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- Rich & Creamy Texture – A luscious combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and melty cheeses.
- Bold, Flavorful Ingredients – Tender lump crab and artichokes create the perfect balance of flavor.
- Customizable – Easily adjust seasonings and cheese blends to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and bake before serving for stress-free entertaining.
Instructions
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ – ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Hot sauce, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
- 2 cups coarsely chopped artichoke hearts (from two 14-oz cans, rinsed and drained, or a 12-oz frozen bag, thawed and drained)
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, picked over for cartilage
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Notes
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-3 quart baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
2️⃣ Mix Base: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic, hot sauce, and Parmesan until smooth.
3️⃣ Add Cheeses & Scallions: Fold in ½ cup each of Monterey Jack & cheddar cheese, plus the scallions.
4️⃣ Incorporate Artichokes & Crab: Gently fold in artichokes and lump crab, keeping some chunks intact. Season with salt, pepper, and more hot sauce if desired.
5️⃣ Assemble: Spread into the baking dish. Top with the remaining Monterey Jack & cheddar cheese.
6️⃣ Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with parsley and extra scallions. Serve warm with baguette slices, crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
