Description
This Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is a decadent appetizer combining creamy cheeses, succulent seafood, and fresh spinach, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for gatherings, offering a luscious blend of flavors and textures that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Creams
- 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 and Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
Seasonings and Condiments
- 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 prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, mixing until smooth and creamy to form the base of the dip.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses thoroughly until evenly blended into the creamy base.
- Incorporate Seafood and Vegetables: Add the chopped cooked shrimp, flaked crab meat, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and finely chopped green onions to the cheese mixture, folding gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Season: Mix in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired for balanced flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the assembled dip mixture to a suitable baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and inviting.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your choice of crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh seafood or thoroughly thaw frozen shrimp and crab meat before use.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and paprika based on your spice preference.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Serve immediately after baking for the creamiest texture.
- To make it easier to scoop, let the dip rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven.
