The Ultimate Party Crab Dip

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) can diced water chestnuts, drained
• 3/4 cup chopped ham
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeño pepper slices or 1 fresh jalapeño, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, drained
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add green onions and garlic; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add cream and artichokes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 4 to 5 minutes or until reduced to 2 cups.
2. Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Stir in water chestnuts and next 5 ingredients. Add artichoke cream sauce; stir until well combined. Gently fold in crabmeat.
3. Spoon dip into a lightly greased 3- or 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Cook, covered, on LOW 2 1/2 hours or until thoroughly heated and cheese melts. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.