Name: Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip
Ingredients: 1/2 lb shrimp, chopped: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are peeled and deveined. Shrimp provides a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the crab meat.; 1/2 lb lump crab meat: Opt for fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and taste. This adds a luxurious, briny note to the dip.; 1 cup thawed, drained spinach: Fresh spinach can be substituted for an earthier taste, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dip.; 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This ingredient creates the rich, creamy base for the dip. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easy mixing.; 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tartness that balances the heavier cheese flavors, enhancing the overall richness of the dip.; 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy element contributes to the dip’s luxurious consistency. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella melts wonderfully to create a bubbly topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a hint of aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.; 1 small onion, chopped: Sweet or yellow onions work best; they impart a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A quintessential seasoning that embodies the essence of seafood dishes—feel free to adjust to your taste.; Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.; Tortilla chips, crackers, or bread for serving: These provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up the creamy dip.

Description

Indulge in creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip—a rich blend of seafood and creaminess. Ideal for parties and gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 lb shrimp, chopped: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are peeled and deveined. Shrimp provides a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the crab meat.
1/2 lb lump crab meat: Opt for fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and taste. This adds a luxurious, briny note to the dip.
1 cup thawed, drained spinach: Fresh spinach can be substituted for an earthier taste, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This ingredient creates the rich, creamy base for the dip. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tartness that balances the heavier cheese flavors, enhancing the overall richness of the dip.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy element contributes to the dip’s luxurious consistency. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella melts wonderfully to create a bubbly topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a hint of aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
1 small onion, chopped: Sweet or yellow onions work best; they impart a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A quintessential seasoning that embodies the essence of seafood dishes—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
Tortilla chips, crackers, or bread for serving: These provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up the creamy dip.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps create a perfectly bubbly and golden top for your dip.
Prepare the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped shrimp (1/2 lb) and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Create the base: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate the seafood and vegetables: To the bowl, add the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat (1/2 lb), thawed and drained spinach (1 cup), minced garlic (2 cloves), chopped onion (1 small), Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish, smoothing out the top.
Finish with cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the mixture for a cheesy finish.
Bake your dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips, crackers, or slices of bread for dipping.