Description
This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is a delightful appetizer that combines succulent seafood with creamy cheeses and spinach for a flavorful, warm dip perfect for parties or gatherings. Baked to bubbly perfection, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked small shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Dairy and Condiments
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the finely diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Seafood: Stir in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat into the skillet and cook just until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking the seafood.
- Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine All Ingredients: Fold the thawed and well-drained spinach, seafood mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the dip mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top to create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve the dip warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- For extra flavor, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or incorporate a smoked cheese blend into the mix.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and seafood to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
