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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the crab meat and heat it for about 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Set aside with the shrimp.
2. Cook the Spinach:
- If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water. If you prefer, you can also use fresh spinach—just sauté it until wilted in a little olive oil or butter. Set the spinach aside once it’s fully cooked.
3. Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a creamy dip base.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and spinach into the creamy base. Stir everything together gently to ensure that the seafood and spinach are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, saving a small amount of mozzarella for topping if desired.
6. Bake the Dip:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish (an 8×8 inch dish works well). Spread it out evenly and top with the reserved mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the dip is finished baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the dip hot with your favorite dippers: toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and celery.
Tips for Success:
- Seafood: For an extra indulgent dip, consider using fresh crab meat or a mix of both shrimp and scallops. If you prefer a more affordable option, imitation crab meat works just as well.
- Spinach: Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess water making the dip too runny. If using fresh spinach, sauté it first to remove moisture.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese will add a different flavor profile to the dip.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dip ahead of time by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it. Just bake it off right before serving.
Why This Dip is Perfect:
The Cheesy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise is balanced by the freshness of spinach and the satisfying texture of shrimp and crab. The melted mozzarella on top adds a gooey, comforting element, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be prepared in advance—ideal for any occasion.
So, whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging in a treat at home, this creamy dip will take your snack game to the next level. Grab your favorite dippers and enjoy the perfect blend of seafood and cheese!
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