Spinach And Crab Dip

Name: Spinach And Crab Dip (GF)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 clove garlic (chopped); 8 oz cream cheese; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp dry mustard; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 lb frozen spinach (chopped, thawed, and squeezed dry); 8 oz lump crab meat; 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, or more to taste); 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated, or more to taste); 2 tbsp gluten-free panko bread crumbs; Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)

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Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with my quick Spinach And Crab Dip recipe! This creamy and cheesy dip is the perfect combination of warm and melty goodness with a delightful blend of spinach and tender crab meat.

Spinach and crab dip in a white casserole dish with someone holding a cracker that has the dip on top.

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A gluten free, low-carb dip that tastes just like your favorite crab cake and is a tried and true crowd-pleaser. This dip tastes similar to traditional crab cakes found on the Eastern shore and features the savory flavors of fresh crab meat combined with other ingredients.

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Ingredients
Additions & Substitutions
How To Make Spinach And Crab Dip: Step-By-Step
Recipe Tips
Confidence Tip
What type of baking dish do I need?
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Other Dip Recipes
Spinach And Crab Dip (GF)
Related

It's perfect for spreading on crackers, dipping with crusty bread or chips, or even stuffing into mini pastry cups for an elegant presentation. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a fantastic addition to any party or gathering where you want to impress your guests with a taste of the sea.

This recipe was inspired by eating Maryland crab cakes and adapted from a recipe by Valerie Bertinelli. Pair this dip with other appetizers like on our blog like the Turkish Grilled or Roasted Eggplant Salad Recipe, Whipped Ricotta Dip, Baked Brie With Honey, and serve it with our Homemade Pita Chips.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this spinach crab dip recipe:

Ingredient Notes: What is Lump Crab Meat?

Lump crab meat refers to large, whole pieces of crab meat that come from the body of the crab. It is prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Lump crab meat is considered one of the highest quality grades of crab meat available and is used in dishes like crab cakes, salads, and dips where the texture of the crab is important like crab cakes, salads, and dips.
Lump crab meat is typically more expensive than other grades of crab meat, such as claw or backfin, due to its high quality. Its sweet, succulent flavor and tender texture make it a favorite among seafood lovers and a popular choice for special occasions and gourmet cooking. You can find lump crab meat in a can at your grocery store near the fish department.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Additions & Substitutions

Though these crab cake dip ingredients are simple, it is also easy to vary if you want to switch it up.

Additions:

Onions - You can add more onions, preferably green onions, either on top or in the mix. You can also substitute shallots for the garlic if you would prefer a more subtle garlic flavor.
Lemon juice - If you like a little tart/sour flavor, squeeze half of a lemon into the dip just before baking or zest a whole lemon and add the lemon zest into the dip along with the cream cheese.
Artichokes - Chopped artichokes, either marinated or not, would add both a nice texture and flavor.

Substitutions

Spicy - While this dip calls for cayenne pepper, you can add more if you like spicy dips. This dip is not spicy as written. The cayenne pepper will add depth to the flavor.
Cheese - You can substitute cheddar cheese or any other mild-flavored cheese in this dip like mozzarella.
Imitation crab - I don't recommend using imitation crab for this dip. The flavor and texture will not be the same. Typically, imitation crab is not gluten-free.
Panko - While I recommend the gluten-free panko, you can use regular panko, bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs.

How To Make Spinach And Crab Dip: Step-By-Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:

saute the onions and garlic in a skillet.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about five minutes.

add the cream cheese, worcestershire, mustard, paprika and pepper. Stir.

Step 2: Add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is melted.

Step 3: Add the spinach and crab meat. Stir until warm and bubbling. Stir in the Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Transfer the dip to an oven-safe small baking dish. Top with the gluten-free panko crumbs. Place on a baking sheet and bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Recipe Tips

Buy the highest quality crab meat you can find at the grocery store. Typically it will come in a can and can be found near the fish department. It does not matter whether you purchase jumbo lump crab meat or just lump crab meat.
I like putting extra Parmesan on the top of the dip before serving. It will help add a nice golden crust along with the panko.

Confidence Tip

Prepare this recipe ahead of time by completing the steps up to the point of baking, which can be done up to 2 days in advance. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it on the day of serving.

Spinach and crab dip in a white casserole dish.

What type of baking dish do I need?

Any ceramic or glass baking dish will be fine. It needs to be oven-safe and if you prefer, microwave-safe as well. I love the Staub baking dishes like this one.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crackers go best with a crab dip recipe?

Any cracker will work, but sourdough or buttery crackers are the top choice. Use a cracker that is plain so the dip shines. Be sure to choose a cracker that is sturdy enough to hold the dense crab dip.

What is imitation crab and can I use it in this recipe?

Imitation crab is made with a paste of finely shredded fish. After the fish is minced, it is pressed into shapes resembling meat from a crab leg. The imitation crab looks similar to the original crab in color and in texture. Imitation crab isn't typically gluten-free.

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner or lunch? These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms With Cream Cheese are wonderful!

Other Dip Recipes

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