First Step: Prepare the Seafood

1. Cook the Shrimp: If you’re using raw shrimp, begin by cooking it. To do so, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Crab: If you’re using crab meat, be sure to check for any shell fragments. Flake the crab meat with a fork and set it aside.
3. Chop the Seafood: Once the shrimp and crab are prepared, combine them in a bowl. You can also use lobster meat if you prefer, or a combination of different seafood types. Chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces to make it easy to scoop up in the dip.

Second Step: Cook the Spinach

1. Sauté the Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture. If you’re using fresh spinach, simply chop it up and sauté it in a pan. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and then add the spinach. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
2. Drain the Spinach: Ensure that all excess moisture is removed from the spinach to prevent the dip from becoming too watery. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to press out any remaining liquid.

Third Step: Make the Creamy Base

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pan and stir until it begins to melt and smooth out. You may want to lower the heat slightly to ensure it melts without burning.
3. Stir in the Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the melted cream cheese and stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This creates a creamy, tangy base for the dip.
4. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will add flavor and depth to the dip. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Fourth Step: Combine Everything

1. Add the Spinach: Once the creamy base is smooth, add the cooked spinach to the mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
2. Incorporate the Seafood: Add the chopped shrimp and crab (or your choice of seafood) to the creamy spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the seafood is evenly spread throughout the dip.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will melt into the dip, making it extra creamy and cheesy. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the dip reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Adjust the Consistency: If the dip is too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream, stirring until the desired consistency is reached. Keep in mind that the dip will thicken slightly as it cools.

Fifth Step: Bake the Dip (Optional)

For a golden, bubbly top, you can bake your Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Once everything is mixed together, transfer the dip into a greased baking dish, such as a small casserole dish or a 9×9-inch pan. Spread the dip into an even layer.
2. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The dip should be hot and bubbling around the edges.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.

Sixth Step: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Warm: Serve the dip warm with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. For a healthier option, fresh vegetable crudités like celery, carrots, and bell peppers also make excellent dippers.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy this rich, indulgent dip with friends and family. Its creamy texture, seafood flavors, and savory spinach will make it the star of your appetizer spread.