Hot Spinach Crabmeat Dip
Creamy, flavorful hot spinach crabmeat dip combines spinach, crab, cheeses, and spices, perfect for entertaining or a satisfying appetizer for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup nonfat Ricotta
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 8 oz canned sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 6 oz fresh lump crabmeat, drained
- 3/4 cup shredded low-fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup drained, diced roasted red peppers in water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nonfat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup minced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Press Ricotta cheese through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
- Add shredded low-fat Monterey Jack cheese, nonfat mayonnaise, dry sherry, and hot sauce; stir well.
- Drain spinach; press between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Add spinach, drained, chopped sliced water chestnuts, drained lump crabmeat, diced roasted red peppers, minced green onions to the cheese mixture.
- Stir all ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Hot Spinach Crabmeat Dip, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice. You can substitute the crabmeat with cooked shrimp for a different seafood twist. If you're avoiding dairy, try using a vegan ricotta alternative and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a creamier texture, blend the ricotta instead of sieving it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip hot with an assortment of dippers such as tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks. It pairs beautifully with Baked Flounder Supreme for a delightful seafood meal. For a complete spread, consider offering it alongside a light salad or your favorite crackers to complement the creamy dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat it gently in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying it out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and serve warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Spinach Crabmeat Dip contains roughly 162 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it until bubbly and golden for a warm appetizer.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If crabmeat isn't available, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp, diced cooked chicken, or even a plant-based seafood alternative for a vegetarian version. Each option will provide a unique flavor while maintaining the dip's creamy texture.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To add more heat to your Hot Spinach Crabmeat Dip, increase the amount of hot sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your preference, but remember to taste as you go to maintain a balanced flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).