Name: Hot Artichoke-Crab Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves; 1 15- oz can artichoke hearts drained; 1 green onion (cut into 4 pieces); 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt; 2 oz lump crab meat; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

This creamy hot artichoke crab dip is an easy appetizer and holiday favorite that is always hit with party guests!

Hot Artichoke Crab Dip in a mini gratin pan with a slice of toasted bread

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Artichokes and crab have always been two of my favorite foods and I think they go particularly well together. Growing up in Northern California both were pretty much always available. During the summers we went out to the beach in Monterey County, which is where the "Artichoke Center of the World" happens to be. You see artichokes growing everywhere! I've always loved them simply steamed and dipped in mayo or some type of dipping sauce like the one I created for this grilled artichoke recipe.

While steamed or grilled artichokes are fantastic as a side for a weeknight dinner, they are a bit impractical when it comes to entertaining. By adding them to a dip, the result is a great party appetizer that's ideal for holiday parties and game-day events.

Contents:

Notes from the Kitchen
Key Ingredients
Recommended Tools
How to make this recipe
Make Ahead Tips
Small Group Cocktail Party Menu
Hot Artichoke-Crab Dip Recipe

Hot Artichoke Crab Dip in a silver mini gratin pan

Notes from the Kitchen

So, when you are having guests over for a casual party what's key?? A bunch of quick, tasty appetizers that will be crowd-pleasers! This Hot Artichoke Crab Dip definitely fits the bill!

This recipe got rave reviews when I tested it with friends and it's always a hit at parties so if you are entertaining a larger group, you might want to consider doubling the recipe!

A couple of key tips for success when making this recipe:

I recommend baking this in a ceramic or stainless steel dish. I first tried it in a cast iron pan and while it was initially fine, I wasn't happy with what happened after it sat for a bit so I'd say don't go there!
You can also split it into multiple dishes and heat them up as you need them.
You can use just about anything you like for dipping. I normally lean towards a toasted baguette but you could use crackers or pre-made crostini.
If you want to toast a baguette just get a sliced baguette from the grocery store (most grocery store bakeries will slice them for you), rub the slices with a garlic clove cut in half and then spray or coat with a bit of olive oil. Toast in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Key Ingredients

The full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Canned artichoke hearts: You can also use frozen if they are easier to find. Marinated artichoke hearts are not a good substitution in this recipe as they will change the flavor of the dip.
Lump crab meat: You can find this in the seafood section in most grocery stores.
Cream cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese is best for this recipe.
Spices: red pepper flakes, sea salt

Recommended Tools

Mini Gratin Pans – These little pans are one of my kitchen favorites. They are great for individual frittatas, pasta dishes or for breaking servings of things like this dip into multiples so you can place at different spots or serve at different times without too much additional effort.

How to make this recipe

Read on to learn more about how to make this Artichoke Crab Dip, or jump straight to the recipe to start cooking!

This dip comes together in just a few steps and including baking time, is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Chopped artichoke hearts in the bowl of a food processor

Start with the veggies. You start this dip by blending the artichoke hearts, garlic and green onions up in the bowl of a food processor.

Artichoke Crab Dip base in a food processor

Make it creamy. Then add the cream cheese and keep blending until everything is combined.

Lump crab meat being stirred into artichoke dip

Add the crab. You want to mix the crab in by hand so you can either remove the blade from the food processor bowl and mix it in or you can transfer the dip to another bowl before you add the crab.

Step 4 | Bake. Spoon the dip into the baking dish of your choice and bake it for about 15 minutes or until warm. I generally like to broil it for a minute at the end to get the dip nice and bubbly and slightly browned on top.

Make Ahead Tips

This dip can be made ahead of time. I recommend making the dip early in the day and storing it in an airtight container. About 30 minutes before you want to serve it, preheat your oven and transfer the dip to a baking dish. Bake per the recipe instructions and then serve.

Small Group Cocktail Party Menu

If you are hosting a cocktail party for a small group, I'd serve this dip with:

A Cheese Board. A cheese board is always a good addition to any cocktail party menu. They are super flexible and easy to put together.
Baked Mushroom Arancini. These baked rice balls are super tasty and add a touch of elegance to any menu.
Crab Mac & Cheese Bites. These are always a big hit with party guests and a great way to use up the rest of the crab from the artichoke dip.

For more ideas, check out the rest of the appetizer recipes!

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