Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip
No CommentsMay 01, 2026
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Up your appetizer game with this crab spinach artichoke dip! It’s made from scratch and packed with creamy, cheesy, crab-filled flavor.
One of my favorite appetizers to order (if I can find it) is crab spinach artichoke dip. The garlic, onion, and lemon add background notes that complement the crab so well. It’s such a fancy appetizer but really has so much bang for your buck if you’re feeding a large crowd. I really hope you give this recipe a try, this dip is heaven in a crockpot!
Key Ingredients
Crab: I get fresh crab at the fisherman’s market. In my area, we are often told that Dungeness crab is more in season when the month ends in r.
Artichokes: Find the canned variety; it’s cheaper than the glass-jar kind and still tastes great.
Spinach: I use frozen spinach in this, just drain well.
Dip Base: To make this dip extra creamy, we use cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream.
Lemon: Goes great with the crab and artichokes – don’t skip this.
Other flavor notes: Green onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning tie the entire recipe together.
How to Make Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Drain the spinach and artichokes well, then add everything to the crockpot and mix.
- Spread evenly and let it cook until hot, melted, and creamy.
- Let it set slightly, then serve.
How to Serve Crab Artichoke Dip
Dippers: We like to serve this with bread slices that are brused with olive oil, then rubbed with garlic when it comes out of the oven. Other options are soft french bread, pita bread or crackers. You can add vegetables as well.
Toppings: If you want to add more flavor to your crab dip, add a touch of freshly ground black pepper or hot sauce to your serving.
Tips & Variations
Drain REALLY well: This is the most important step. Be sure to drain the spinach, artichokes, and crab thoroughly, or the dip will be runny.
Change it up: You can skip the artichokes or spinach if you want – you don’t have to add both.
Don’t over cook: The dip may dry out or become oily if cooked too long.
Keep warm for parties: Switch to the warm setting and give it a light stir occasionally to keep it creamy.
More Crab Recipes: If you have an abundence of crab, try my Cream of Crab Soup or Crockpot Crab Dip recipes.
Can I use canned crab?
Fresh-picked crab is best for this recipe. If you can only find canned crab – buy it in the refrigerated section at the store. It will taste fresher and less tinny.
How does this store?
Crab does not have a long shelf life. I would eat the same day or place in the fridge and finish up the very next day.
Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip
How to Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 13.75 oz. can quartered artichokes, (chopped) see instructions on draining
- 5 oz. frozen spinach, (I use half of a 10-oz. box) see instructions on draining
- 8 oz. cream cheese, (softened well)
- 1/2 cup mayonaisse
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp. bay seasoning
- 8 oz. shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 lb. fresh crab meat
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
For Serving (or serve with crackers or pita)
- sliced baugette
- olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Before starting, make sure you drain all the liquid from the spinach and artichokes. Do this by putting in a clean dish towel and wringing out all the excess liquid. Add to the slow cooker.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened well, if you didn't let sit out long enough, simply microwave for 30 seconds. Add to the slow cooker.
- Add everything except the Parmesan Cheese. Stir gently and spread out into an even layer. Sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook on HIGH For 2 hour or until hot and bubbly.
For Serving
- I like to brush baguette slices with olive oil, then broil them until toasted. As soon as they come out, cut the end off a garlic clove and rub the cut side over the warm bread for a quick garlic flavor.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Appetizers for Entertaining
Hot Shrimp Dip and Slow Cooker Artichokes are great choices when you want something a little different but still easy to make. Hanky Panky Appetizer is another fun option that always gets attention.
Stuffed Mushroom Dip is rich and perfect for parties, while Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies and Slow Cooker Spinach Dip are crowd favorites that disappear fast.
