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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheating: Ignite the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a baking dish or cast iron skillet with cooking spray.
- 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.
- Cheese Integration: Fold Parmigiano Reggiano, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses into the creamy mixture, maintaining a light, airy consistency.
- Seafood Fusion: Gently fold chopped artichoke hearts and lump crabmeat into the cheese blend, ensuring even distribution without fragmenting the delicate crab.
- Seasoning: Adjust flavor profile with salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce, balancing the seafood and cheese notes.
- Preparation: Spread the luxurious mixture into the prepared baking vessel, creating an inviting culinary landscape.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses over the surface for a golden, tantalizing finish.
- Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes until effervescent and thoroughly heated, with an optional brief broil for a crisp, golden crust.
- 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