Seafood Spinach Dip Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

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Introduction:

The Fall Season is rolling in and bringing Football Season along with it! This could only mean one thing – it’s time to fire up some game-day appetizers! Today we are making one of my all-time favorites – Seafood Spinach Dip! This dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and it’s pretty simple to make!

The beauty of this recipe is that there really is minimal prep work required – this seafood spinach dip comes together quick and easy. Simply organize and measure your ingredients and then dice your onion. We also need to ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and clean.

Once the shrimp are cleaned up, cut them into bite size pieces and season lightly.

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Once the onion is diced, the hard part is done, lol.

Prepare the Spinach:

• In a large skillet or pot, wilt the spinach over medium heat until it’s completely cooked down. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture and roughly chop.

Cook the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let cool.

I like to shred my own cheese as often as I can – due to the store-bought cheese containing anti-caking agents like potato starch etc – which work great for keeping the cheese from clumping together, but negatively impact how well it melts.

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Next add in the spinach.

Once you have the veggies in the skillet, it’s time to make the roux by adding in the all-purpose flour. Cook this off for 2-3 minutes and then add in the dairy.

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Add Dairy and Seasoning:

• Slowly whisk in the half and half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture thicken slightly

Add the Cheese:

• Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and 1 cup of the Colby Jack cheese (save enough to top the dish with) until fully melted and smooth. Season with AP Seasoning, Lemon Bae, or Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Combine Ingredients:

• Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and chopped spinach. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Bake:

• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Pro Tip: Allow your spinach dip to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. 

Allowing a spinach dip to rest after baking is beneficial for several reasons.

Benefits of Resting Spinach:

1. Flavor Development:

• Settling of Flavors: Resting allows the flavors to meld and intensify. The ingredients have a chance to harmonize, making the dip taste more cohesive and well-rounded.
• Even Distribution: Resting helps ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dip, as the residual heat continues to blend the ingredients.

2. Texture Improvement:

• Thickening: As the dip cools slightly, it continues to thicken. This can prevent it from being too runny when served, giving it a more appealing, dip-worthy consistency.
• Stabilization: Resting helps the dip stabilize, making it easier to scoop and serve without it falling apart or being overly messy.

3. Safety:

• Avoiding Burns: Letting the dip rest for a few minutes makes it more manageable to serve and eat, reducing the risk of burns from the hot, melted cheese or other ingredients.
• Cooling Down: It ensures that the dip is at a more suitable temperature for consumption, which is safer and more comfortable for your guests.

4. Presentation:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Allowing the dip to rest helps it set and may prevent the top layer of cheese or other toppings from separating or becoming overly greasy. This results in a better-looking presentation.

5. Ease of Serving:

• Improved Consistency: Resting makes the dip easier to scoop and spread on your choice of dippers, such as chips or baguettes, without it being too runny or liquid.

What should I use to dip into this wonderful Seafood Spinach Dip, you might ask….

Both chips and baguettes are great options for pairing with spinach dip, each offering unique benefits.

Chips vs. Baguettes?

Chips

1. Crunchy Texture:

• Chips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the spinach dip. This texture difference enhances the overall eating experience.

2. Convenience:

• Chips are easy to serve and don’t require any preparation beyond opening the bag. They’re a straightforward option for casual gatherings.

3. Flavor Variety:

• Depending on the type of chips you choose (e.g., plain, sea salt, or flavored), they can add complementary or contrasting flavors to the dip, such as a touch of saltiness or a hint of spice.

4. Portability:

• Chips are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or potlucks where you might not have access to a kitchen or utensils.

Baguettes

1. Flavor Enhancement:

• Baguettes have a neutral flavor that allows the spinach dip to shine. The slight chewiness of the bread can also absorb some of the dip, creating a delicious bite.

2. Versatility:

• Sliced baguettes can be toasted for extra crunch or left soft for a more tender texture. You can also experiment with different types of baguettes, like whole grain or flavored varieties.

3. Elegant Presentation:

• Baguette slices can give a more refined and elegant presentation, making them a great choice for more formal gatherings or when you want to impress your guests.

4. Customizable:

• You can customize baguette slices with different spreads or seasonings before toasting, adding extra layers of flavor to complement the dip.

Summary:

Chips are perfect for their crunch, convenience, and variety, while baguettes offer a more elegant presentation and a versatile base that complements the dip’s flavor. The choice depends on the occasion and your preferences, but both options are excellent for enjoying spinach dip!

Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

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