Imagine a party appetizer that transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary culinary experiences. This Dungeness Crab and Artichoke Dip isn't just a recipe—it's a coastal California dream served right in your living room. Creamy, luxurious, and packed with the sweet, delicate flavors of fresh Dungeness crab, this dip promises to be the star of any gathering, making your guests wonder how you became such a kitchen maestro.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- 200g Dungeness crab meat
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 baguette, sliced for crostini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the crostini.
- Drain the artichoke hearts and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop the artichoke hearts into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Gently fold in the Dungeness crab meat, ensuring it remains in delicate chunks. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the dip mixture to a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Place the dip and crostini in the preheated oven. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Simultaneously, toast the crostini for 8-10 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove both the dip and crostini from the oven. Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Arrange the crostini around the dip and serve warm, allowing guests to scoop the creamy dip onto the crisp bread slices.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Crab: Fresh or high-quality canned Dungeness crab meat makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Don't Overmix: When incorporating crab meat, fold gently to maintain those beautiful, delicate chunks.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending.
- Crostini Perfection: Slice baguette diagonally for more surface area and a more elegant presentation.
- Cheese Tip: For extra richness, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding a touch of gruyère.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dip mixture hours in advance and bake just before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
