Ah, the comforting embrace of a creamy dip—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. This Cheesy Baked Crab Artichoke Dip is your ticket to appetizer heaven, perfect for gatherings big or small. Imagine the rich, gooey cheese mingling with succulent crab and tender artichokes, all baked to golden perfection. It’s like a culinary symphony—each bite a crescendo of flavor.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, lump crabmeat, sliced green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture into a 10- or 12-inch oven-safe skillet, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip becomes golden and bubbly.
- For the crostini, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10 minutes until toasted and golden, then immediately rub each slice with a sliced garlic clove.
- Garnish the baked dip with freshly chopped parsley and serve it alongside the garlicky crostini for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz. lump crabmeat
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
- 1 baguette, sliced
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, top sliced off
FAQ
- What type of crab is best for making crab artichoke dip?
- For this recipe, it’s best to use canned lump crab meat found in the seafood section of your grocery store. If necessary, claw or backfin meat can also be used. Make sure to drain the crab well and check for any shell pieces before adding it to your dip.
- What are some good options for dipping into crab artichoke dip?
- Garlicky crostini are a fantastic choice for this dip, as they are quick to prepare and complement the creamy texture. Alternatively, any toasted bread or plain crackers work well. For a healthier option, serve the dip with a selection of fresh vegetables.
- What are some serving suggestions to accompany crab artichoke dip at a party?
- This dip pairs excellently with other crowd-pleasers like jalapeño popper dip or caramelized onion dip. For a more comprehensive party spread, consider adding a charcuterie board, cheesy garlic bread, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
- How do you prepare garlicky crostini?
- Slice a baguette and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake at 350°F until golden and toasted, about 10 minutes. Once out of the oven, rub each piece with a sliced garlic clove to infuse the bread with flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Crab: Opt for canned lump crab meat for this dip as it provides a good balance of flavor and texture without the need for expensive fresh crab. Always drain it well and pick through it carefully to remove any shell fragments.
- Perfect Your Dipping Options: While garlicky crostini pairs beautifully with the dip, feel free to explore other options like toasted bread, plain crackers, or even fresh vegetables for a lighter, crunchy alternative.
- Serve with Complementary Dishes: Enhance your party spread by serving the dip alongside other favorites such as jalapeño popper dip or caramelized onion dip, and complement it with a variety of fresh vegetables or a charcuterie board.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (10- or 12-inch)
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
