Description
This Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is a delectable blend of seafood, cheeses, and fresh spinach, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfect as a warm appetizer, it’s creamy, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, making it an ideal party or family gathering dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seafood
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, drained and flaked
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time the dip is ready to bake.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the rich base of the dip.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture for a cheesy flavor.
- Combine Seafood and Vegetables: Fold in the chopped cooked shrimp, flaked cooked crab meat, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and finely chopped green onions, incorporating all ingredients evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the completed mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbling, signaling it’s ready.
- Serve Warm: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, fully cooked seafood for best flavor and safety.
- To make the dip ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it, then bake shortly before serving.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add more or less garlic based on your preference.
- This dip pairs well with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
