Imagine a creamy, decadent dip that transports you straight to the sunny beaches of Maui with every single bite! This Maui Artichoke Crab Dip is not just another appetizer – it's a culinary vacation that combines the rich, delicate flavors of fresh crab meat with the tangy punch of artichoke hearts, all wrapped in a luxuriously smooth cream cheese base. Whether you're hosting a party, planning a game night, or simply craving a gourmet treat, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- Drain the canned artichoke hearts and chop them into small, uniform pieces. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Gently fold the chopped artichoke hearts and shredded crab meat into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir carefully to incorporate all seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into a medium-sized baking dish, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and prevent burning.
- Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités for dipping.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality crab meat for the best flavor – lump crab meat works exceptionally well.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Pat artichoke hearts completely dry to prevent excess moisture in the dip.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Let the dip rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning your mouth.
- Serve immediately while warm for the most incredible texture and taste experience.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh chives or dill for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg