The Best Maine Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

June 16, 2025 Mark Murrell

Looking for the ultimate appetizer that’ll steal the show? This Maine Crab Artichoke Dip is here to impress. Whether you're planning a holiday spread, game-day snack lineup, or cozy night in, this hot and bubbly dip delivers the kind of flavor that makes people stop mid-sentence and say, “Wait—what is that!”

It’s loaded with the good stuff: tender, sweet Maine crab meat, rich cheeses, tangy artichokes, and just the right kick of garlic and lemon. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is comfort food with a coastal twist.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Maine crab meat
Marinated or canned artichoke hearts
Cream cheese
Sour cream + mayo
Mozzarella + Parmesan
Minced Garlic
Fresh lemon juice
Optional Items: hot sauce, sliced green onions, or fresh chives
Toppings: extra shredded cheese or seasoned breadcrumbs for that golden crust

Fresh crab meat with lemon, parsley, and dipping sauce, featuring vibrant red crab legs on a dark background.

Let’s Make It

Creating the best Maine Crab Artichoke Dip is easier than you think, and the result is incredible. Let’s begin:

Step 1. Creamy Base

Start with room temp cream cheese, it’ll mix like a dream. Blend it with the sour cream and mayo until smooth and luscious. This is your rich, velvety foundation.

Step 2. Layer in the Flavor

Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a dash (or more) of hot sauce if you like a little heat. Stir gently. These ingredients build layers of flavor that elevate every bite.

Step 3. Fold in the Magic

Now, gently stir in your chopped artichokes, shredded cheeses, and sweet chunks of Maine crab meat. Go easy here; keep those crab pieces intact so they shine in every scoop.

Step 4. Bake to Golden Glory

Spread the mixture into a lightly greased glass baking dish. Bake at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 5. Broil Bonus (Optional)

Want a crispy, cheesy top layer that people fight over? Broil it for 2–3 extra minutes, just keep an eye on it!

Tips for a Dip That Wows

Get Fresh: Always go for real Maine crab.
Drain It Well: Too much moisture can make the dip runny. So, pat the crab dry with paper towels.
Keep Those Chunks: Fold the crab in gently; you want juicy bits in every scoop.
Season Smartly: Taste before you bake. Crab and cheese are already salty, so go light on extra salt.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Planning to Host? You got it!

You can make this dip up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover it and stash it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, bake it fresh and golden.

Got leftovers? (Unlikely.)

If you have any, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just don’t freeze it as it messes with the texture.

Ready To Cook?

This isn’t just any crab dip. It’s coastal comfort in a baking dish. The sweet Maine crab meat paired with creamy cheeses and zingy lemon makes this dish an instant classic. Serve it with crostini, crackers, or straight up on a spoon.

Whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself to something special, this dip delivers pure joy. So go ahead, make it once, and watch it become the appetizer everyone requests again and again.

For even more culinary inspiration, check out our other blog posts!

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