Creamy Artichoke Spinach & Crab Dip

This is one of my favorite dips to bring to a party and it's always a hit. It is delicious and creamy and has just the right amount of crab so it doesn't overpower the other ingredients. The tomato on top gives it a little extra burst of sweetness. Serve it with bread, chips, crackers, vegetables, etc., for dipping. You can make a lighter version of this by substituting the sour cream and mayonnaise with nonfat plain yogurt. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the crab.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  cup onion, minced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
• 1 (8 1/2ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and diced
• 8  ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2⁄3 cup sour cream
• 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
• 2  cups  Italian cheese blend, shredded (or cheddar)
• 1  dash  hot sauce, to taste
• 1  dash Worcestershire sauce, to taste
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 8  ounces lump crabmeat
• 1⁄2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
•  salt, to taste
•  pepper, to taste

• Optional

• 1  large tomatoes, seeded and chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Add the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise, cooking and stirring until blended well.
3. Turn the heat down to low. Add the shredded cheese and stir until just melted. Stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Gently stir in the crab. Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8 baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over all. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top begins to brown.
5. Allow the dip to cool for 5 minutes. Top with tomato, if desired.
6. Enjoy!