### **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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