Hot & Bubbly 4-Cheese Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Melted cheese and succulent crab meat dance together in this irresistible 4-cheese crab artichoke dip that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich maritime flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Fresh artichokes add a delightful earthiness to the luxurious cheese combination.

Tender crab chunks bring a delicate sweetness that complements the robust cheese profile.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of coastal and dairy notes that tantalize the palate.

The dip golden, bubbling surface beckons you to dive right in with crispy crackers or toasted bread.

Get ready to savor a recipe that transforms ordinary moments into delectable celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 9

4-Cheese Crab Artichoke Dip Ingredient Breakdown

• Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, velvety texture and rich foundation for the dip.
• Mayonnaise: Adds smooth, tangy depth and helps bind ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and contributes to silky consistency.

• Dijon Mustard: Delivers subtle sharp kick and complexity to the overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami depth and mysterious savory undertones.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and cuts through richness.
• Minced Garlic: Offers aromatic pungency and traditional depth.
• Hot Sauce: Provides optional spicy punch and personalized heat level.

• Lump Crabmeat: Brings delicate, sweet seafood essence and elegant protein.
• Artichoke Hearts: Contributes tender, slightly nutty Mediterranean character.
• Scallions: Introduces fresh, mild onion sharpness and vibrant green color.

• Parmigiano Reggiano: Adds intense, nutty aged cheese complexity.
• Monterey Jack: Delivers smooth, mild melting quality.
• Sharp Cheddar: Provides robust, tangy cheese intensity.

• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and traditional seasoning.

Tools You’ll Need for 4-Cheese Crab Artichoke Dip

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for blending cream cheese and other creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Spatula or Spoon: Perfect for gently folding in delicate ingredients like crabmeat and artichokes.
• 2-3 Quart Baking Dish or 10-12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: Crucial for baking the dip evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Helps catch any potential overflow and makes handling the dish easier.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping scallions and preparing garnishes.
• Knife: Needed for chopping ingredients and slicing baguette or crudités.

How to Make Hot and Creamy 4-Cheese Crab Dip

Ocean’s Treasure Cheese Blend

• Cozy Kitchen Setup Gather your favorite mixing bowl, baking dish, and kitchen tools for a delightful cooking adventure.
• Creamy Flavor Base Whip together soft cream cheese, tangy mayo, rich sour cream, zesty Dijon, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce until smooth and dreamy.
• Cheese Symphony Gently fold in a delightful mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar, creating a luxurious cheese melody that dances with scallions.
• Sea's Bounty Carefully incorporate tender artichoke hearts and succulent crab meat, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
• Baking Magic Transfer the mixture to a waiting baking dish, crown it with an extra sprinkle of cheese, and let the oven work its transformative spell for about 30 minutes.
• Final Flourish Pull out a bubbling, golden masterpiece and garnish with fresh herbs. Let it rest briefly before serving with your favorite crispy companions.

Tips to Balance Flavors in Crab Artichoke Dip

• Swap traditional cheeses with gouda, gruyère, or fontina for a unique flavor profile that elevates the classic dip.
• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha to give the dip a fiery kick that will tantalize taste buds and create excitement.
• Replace full-fat mayonnaise and cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier version without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time for a stress-free entertaining option.
• Serve with gluten-free crackers, vegetable sticks, or roasted sweet potato wedges to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dip's delicious appeal.

Serving 4-Cheese Crab Dip for Any Crowd

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange this creamy dip as the star of a seafood-themed appetizer spread with assorted crispy dippers and colorful vegetable sticks.
• Gathering Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a beautiful ceramic dish at game day events, book clubs, or casual get-togethers where guests can scoop and enjoy together.
• Wine Night Companion: Pair with crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the crab and four-cheese blend.
• Elegant Brunch Addition: Include as a sophisticated starter alongside mimosas and light breakfast pastries for a memorable weekend gathering.

Storage for Leftover Crab and Cheese Dip

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dip maintains best texture when covered tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap the uncooked dip securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in original recipe.
• Advance Preparation Trick: Assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to baking to reach room temperature, ensuring even heating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated dip in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain creamy consistency and prevent cheese separation. Add a splash of cream if mixture seems dry during reheating.

Dreamy 4-Cheese Crab Artichoke Dip

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indulgent crab artichoke dip blends four cheeses into a creamy coastal delight. Seafood enthusiasts savor this rich appetizer that promises comfort and elegance for any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lump crabmeat, picked over for cartilage
• 16 oz (454 g) block-style cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (340 g) coarsely chopped artichoke hearts
• ¾ cup (85 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• ¾ cup (85 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• ½ cup (50 g) thinly sliced scallions, plus extra for garnish
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ – ½ cup (60–120 ml) sour cream
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Hot sauce, to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Ignite the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a baking dish or cast iron skillet with cooking spray.
2. Cream Base: Whip cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and hot sauce using an electric mixer until silky smooth.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold Parmigiano Reggiano, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses into the creamy mixture, maintaining a light, airy consistency.
4. Seafood Fusion: Gently fold chopped artichoke hearts and lump crabmeat into the cheese blend, ensuring even distribution without fragmenting the delicate crab.
5. Seasoning: Adjust flavor profile with salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce, balancing the seafood and cheese notes.
6. Preparation: Spread the luxurious mixture into the prepared baking vessel, creating an inviting culinary landscape.
7. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses over the surface for a golden, tantalizing finish.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes until effervescent and thoroughly heated, with an optional brief broil for a crisp, golden crust.
9. Garnishing and Serving: Embellish with fresh parsley and scallions, allowing the dip to rest for 5-10 minutes before presenting with crusty baguette, crackers, or crisp vegetables.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for optimal melting and flavor depth, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Crab Handling Technique: Handle lump crabmeat gently to preserve delicate chunks, preventing breaking or mushing during mixing for a luxurious texture.
• Temperature Control Critical: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth blending and consistent creamy consistency.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust hot sauce quantity to personal preference, starting with minimal amounts and tasting progressively for balanced spiciness without overwhelming seafood subtleties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg