Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Recipe

The Creamiest Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Recipe Ever

Crab and artichoke hot dip sparks culinary excitement with its rich, creamy texture and sophisticated flavor profile.

Seafood lovers appreciate the delicate balance of marine sweetness and earthy undertones in this indulgent appetizer.

Mediterranean influences shine through the combination of tender crab meat and hearty artichoke hearts.

Warm, velvety cheese creates a luxurious backdrop that elevates every single bite.

Sophisticated palates will recognize the nuanced layers of complementary ingredients melding together seamlessly.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike celebrate this crowd-pleasing dish for its elegant simplicity.

The recipe reinvents ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that reinvents any gathering into a memorable occasion.

How to Whip Up Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to 425°F. Grab a 9-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dip Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Makers

Fold in the following ingredients:
  • Chopped artichoke hearts
  • Fresh crab meat
  • Fontina cheese
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • Worcestershire sauce

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 4: Build the Dip Layer

Spread the magical mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Shower the top with remaining fontina cheese for extra golden deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately. Pair with:
  • Crispy crackers
  • Toasted bread slices
  • Fresh vegetable sticks
  • Pita chips
  • Mini phyllo cups

Tips for a Rich and Creamy Hot Crab Dip

  • Choose Fresh Crab: Select high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most delicious and authentic flavor in your dip.
  • Drain Artichokes Well: Pat artichoke hearts completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making the dip watery.
  • Mix Cheeses Thoroughly: Blend cream cheese, fontina, and pepper jack until smooth to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  • Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dip while it's in the oven to prevent over-browning and maintain a creamy texture.
  • Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy the dip right after baking for the best taste and most appealing melted cheese consistency.

Reheating and Storing Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Stir gently halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain creamy texture. Be careful not to overheat, which can separate the cheese and make the dip oily.

Appetizers That Pair with Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip

  • Dive into Crisp White Wine Pairing: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich, creamy dip perfectly, balancing its decadent flavors with bright, zesty notes.
  • Crunch with Rustic Bread Companions: Toasted sourdough slices or herbed crostini provide the ideal textural contrast, allowing guests to scoop up every delicious bite of the hot dip.
  • Unleash Sparkling Beverage Complement: A dry champagne or prosecco adds elegant effervescence that refreshes the palate between creamy, seafood-laden bites, elevating the entire tasting experience.
  • Match with Fresh Veggie Carriers: Crisp cucumber rounds, colorful bell pepper strips, and celery sticks offer a light, crunchy alternative to traditional bread, adding a healthy twist to the indulgent dip.

Flavorful Variations for Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip

  • Seafood Lover's Dream: Replace crab meat with a mix of shrimp and scallops for a luxurious seafood medley that brings ocean flavors to your appetizer table.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Add chopped roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to introduce a Greek-inspired variation with tangy Mediterranean notes.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and swap pepper jack for sharp cheddar to create a zesty southwestern-style dip with bold, spicy undertones.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute crab meat with roasted cauliflower and add spinach for a hearty vegetable version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture of the original recipe.

Why Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Steals the Show

  • Savor Luxurious Seafood Flavors: Combining succulent crab meat with tangy artichoke hearts creates an indulgent blend that elevates traditional party dips with gourmet seafood goodness.
  • Effortless Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this hot dip requires minimal preparation while delivering maximum taste, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or game day celebrations.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Melted fontina and pepper jack cheeses provide rich, creamy textures that harmonize beautifully with delicate crab meat, offering a decadent and satisfying appetizer experience.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable for different occasions, this dip works wonderfully with crackers, bread, vegetable sticks, or even as an elegant filling for mini phyllo cups, ensuring endless serving possibilities.

Everything You’ll Need for Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip

Dairy and Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich base that provides a luxurious texture to the dip.
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tangy flavor to balance the richness.
  • Fontina Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that contribute complex, sharp, and slightly spicy notes.
Seafood and Vegetable:
  • Lump Crab Meat: Premium, delicate protein that brings a sweet and oceanic flavor.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Tender, slightly nutty vegetable that adds texture and earthy undertones.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides a bright finish to the dip.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami with its complex, tangy profile.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
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Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Recipe

Crab and Artichoke Hot Dip Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy crab and artichoke hot dip brings coastal comfort to your table with rich, tangy flavors. Melted cheese and succulent seafood create a luxurious appetizer that will delight guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) lump crab meat
  • 1 14-ounce (400 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded fontina cheese, divided
  • ½ cup (50 grams) shredded pepper jack cheese

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425°F and prepare a 9-inch baking dish by lightly coating it with oil or nonstick spray.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until achieving a velvety smooth consistency.
  3. Gently fold in chopped artichoke hearts, delicate crab meat, half the fontina cheese, piquant pepper jack, finely sliced green onions, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
  5. Carefully spread the crab and artichoke blend into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  6. Generously sprinkle the remaining fontina cheese across the top of the dip, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to set slightly.
  9. Serve piping hot alongside an array of accompaniments like crisp crackers, rustic bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
  10. For an elegant twist, consider transforming the dip into bite-sized treats by filling mini phyllo cups or serving with gourmet pita chips.

Notes

  • Perfectly balanced flavors merge sweet crab meat, tangy artichokes, and melted cheese for a decadent dip that screams comfort and sophistication.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 665 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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