### **Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe**
This decadent and creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, offering a rich blend of seafood, cheese, and fresh spinach in every bite. It's the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously cheesy twist!
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#### **Ingredients:**
- **For the Dip:**
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 ½ cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
**For the Topping:**
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- **For Serving:**
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette (optional)
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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Shrimp:**
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Cook the Crab:**
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Add the crab meat and cook for 1-2 minutes to warm it up. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Spinach:**
- If using fresh spinach, chop it roughly. If using frozen spinach, make sure it's well-drained.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted (if using fresh). Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
4. **Make the Creamy Base:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix to combine.
5. **Assemble the Dip:**
- Add the cooked shrimp, crab, and spinach into the creamy base. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Old Bay if desired.
6. **Bake the Dip:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the dip mixture to a greased oven-safe dish (a 9-inch round or square baking dish works well).
- Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. **Bake:**
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the dip is heated through.
8. **Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.
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### **Tips:**
- **For extra flavor**, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the dip mixture.
- **Make it ahead:** You can prepare the dip up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
- **Make it a meal:** Serve this dip with a side salad and some crusty bread for a delicious, light meal.
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This **Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip** is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy evening. Enjoy the indulgent blend of seafood, creamy cheese, and spinach with every bite!
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