Description
Sumptuous shrimp and crab spinach dip promises a luxurious seafood experience that elevates any gathering. Guests will savor rich, velvety flavors melding together in this irresistible coastal-inspired appetizer you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 0.5 pound lump crab meat
Cheeses and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chopped shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Using an electric mixer or whisk, thoroughly blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate the chopped spinach, cooked shrimp, delicate crab meat, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and green onions into the creamy mixture. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden brown and the center becomes bubbly and heated through.
- Remove from oven and allow the dip to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps it set and prevents burning. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately alongside toasted bread, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for dipping.
Notes
- Customize seafood selection by swapping shrimp or crab with imitation crab, lobster, or additional shellfish for variety and budget-friendly options.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen by finely chopping and briefly sautéing to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and not watery texture.
- Reduce calorie content by substituting full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt, maintaining rich flavor while lightening the dish.
- Make gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg