Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip combines creamy cheese, tender crab meat, and fresh spinach for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfectly rich and flavorful, it’s easy to make and ideal for parties or game day gatherings.

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-ounce jar marinated artichokes (drained)
• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour. Gradually add the half and half in ¼ cup increments, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
2. Step 2: Increase heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the baby spinach in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until the spinach wilts before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Gently fold in the drained artichokes and lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab lumps or artichokes.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until blended.
6. 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 is lightly browned on top.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with finely chopped chives. Let the dip cool slightly before serving with crostini, crackers, or warm bread. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use lump crab meat for the best texture, but canned crab can be a convenient substitute.
• Freshly grate the parmesan and mozzarella cheese for better melting and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
• For a lighter version, swap half and half with whole milk, noting the dip will be less rich.
• Make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate before broiling to save preparation time on serving day.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture which can make the dip watery.

What is the best way to serve this dip?

This dip is fantastic with crostini, crackers, or warm sliced baguette. It also pairs well with fresh vegetable sticks like celery or cucumber.

Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Ever Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip is a rich, creamy, and indulgent appetizer combining tender lump crab meat, fresh spinach, marinated artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Made with a smooth béchamel base enhanced by cream cheese and flavorful seasonings, it’s broiled to golden perfection and topped with fresh chives. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this dip pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, or warm bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Base

• 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 cheese, freshly shredded

Veggies and Crab

• 10 ounces baby spinach, fresh
• 6 ounces jar marinated artichokes, drained
• 1 pound lump crab meat

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Make the roux and béchamel base: In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When fully melted, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour, cooking gently. Gradually add the half and half in ¼ cup increments, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thick, creating the béchamel sauce.
2. Add cream cheese and seasonings: Increase heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is well combined, forming a creamy, flavorful base.
3. Incorporate spinach: Add a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach at a time to the skillet, stirring continuously until each batch wilts down before adding more. Continue until all spinach is coated and wilted evenly in the sauce.
4. Add artichokes and crab meat: Reduce heat to low and gently fold in the drained marinated artichokes and lump crab meat. Stir carefully to coat the ingredients with the sauce while avoiding breaking up the crab lumps or artichoke pieces.
5. Mix in cheeses: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheeses until thoroughly incorporated in the dip.
6. Broil until golden: Transfer the dip to a baking dish or leave it in the cast iron skillet if oven-safe. Place under the broiler for 5-6 minutes until the cheese topping turns slightly browned and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the dip from the oven, sprinkle with finely chopped chives for a fresh finish, and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or warm bread for dipping.

Notes

• Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor.
• Be gentle when folding in crab meat to preserve the lumps and texture.
• The broiler step adds a lovely golden crust; watch carefully to prevent burning.
• If you do not have a cast iron skillet, a similar oven-safe skillet or baking dish works well.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crab dip, spinach artichoke dip, appetizer, creamy dip, party food, seafood dip