Mr. Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanche the chopped spinach in the boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute until wilted and bright green. Immediately transfer spinach to an ice bath to stop cooking.

Drain the spinach in a colander, then press and squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Measure drained spinach — you should have about 2 cups packed; if more watery, squeeze until concentrated. Chop coarsely if needed.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook another 30–45 seconds until fragrant; do not brown the garlic. Stir in Old Bay seasoning and cook 15 seconds to bloom the spice.

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whisk (or beat with a hand mixer on low) until smooth and homogenous.

Fold the cooked aromatics into the cream cheese mixture. Add the drained spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Fold gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Gently fold in the crab meat and sliced green onions, taking care not to break up lump crab too much. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Transfer the mixture into a 1.5–2 quart oven-safe baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the optional extra Parmesan evenly over the top and drizzle lightly with olive oil to help browning.

Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and bubbly and the top is golden in spots, about 20–25 minutes. For a deeper brown top, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve warm with toasted baguette slices or chips and lemon wedges on the side.