Creamy Shrimp and Artichoke Dip Delight
This irresistible dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, be it a festive party or an exciting Game Day. Unlike traditional artichoke dips that can harden and lose their allure, this delightful concoction stays soft, warm, and creamy throughout your event. Choose between succulent shrimp, savory crab, or even clams to create a dip that suits your taste. With the added crunch of water chestnuts and the savory flavor of spinach, it’s a blend of textures that everyone will love! For a creative twist, enjoy this dip over al dente linguini – a perfect Sunday pasta dish your friends will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pam cooking spray
As needed (to coat the slow cooker)
crabmeat
1 cup (lump crabmeat or imitation crabmeat)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
onion
1 (chopped and microwaved with 1 teaspoon olive oil for about 1 minute)
marinated artichoke hearts
2 (6 ounce) jars (drained and chopped (pulse in a food processor for finer texture))
frozen chopped spinach
2/3 cup (thawed and drained well)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (cubed)
red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
black olives
4 ounces (sliced and drained)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lemon juice
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the inside of your small slow cooker with Pam cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped onion with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Microwave for about 1 minute to soften the onions.
3
In the slow cooker, add the cooked onions along with all the remaining ingredients: crabmeat, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, thawed and drained spinach, cubed cream cheese, chopped red bell pepper, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced black olives, a pinch of salt and pepper, and lemon juice.
4
Stir the mixture gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly, then cover the slow cooker.
5
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors.
6
Once the dip is warm and the cheeses are thoroughly melted, stir until well blended. If necessary, switch to the 'keep warm' setting and continue to stir occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency.
7
Serve the dip warm with pita wedges, cocktail rye, or sliced crusty baguette for an irresistible appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Shrimp and Artichoke Dip Delight?
Creamy Shrimp and Artichoke Dip Delight is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that stays soft, warm, and creamy throughout an event, unlike traditional artichoke dips.
What proteins can be used in this dip?
You can use succulent shrimp, savory lump crabmeat, imitation crabmeat, or even clams to suit your taste.
How do I prevent the dip from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spray the inside of a small slow cooker with Pam cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
How should the onion be prepared?
Chop the onion and microwave it in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of olive oil for approximately 1 minute to soften it.
How many jars of artichokes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 (6 ounce) jars of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
Can I use a food processor for the artichokes?
Yes, you can pulse the marinated artichoke hearts in a food processor if you prefer a finer texture.
How do I prepare the spinach for the recipe?
Use 2/3 cup of frozen chopped spinach that has been thoroughly thawed and drained well.
What type of cheeses are used in this dip?
The dip features grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does the dip cook in the slow cooker?
The dip should cook on the low setting for 1 to 2 hours.
Should I stir the dip while it is cooking?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally to help incorporate the flavors and ensure the cheeses melt evenly.
Can this dip be served as a main dish?
Yes, for a creative twist, you can serve this dip over al dente linguini for a perfect Sunday pasta meal.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
This dip is best served warm with pita wedges, cocktail rye, or sliced crusty baguette.
How do I maintain the creamy consistency during a party?
Once fully melted, switch the slow cooker to the 'keep warm' setting and stir occasionally.
Is there red bell pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 of a red bell pepper, chopped.
Are olives included in the dip?
Yes, the recipe includes 4 ounces of sliced and drained black olives.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, which should be cubed for better melting.
Is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Yes, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the slow cooker mixture.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A small slow cooker is recommended for this specific recipe amount.
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, imitation crabmeat is an acceptable substitute for lump crabmeat.
What adds crunch to the dip?
While not in the core ingredient list, the description notes that water chestnuts can be added for extra texture.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of olive oil is used to microwave and soften the chopped onion.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What seasonings are added to the dip?
The dip is seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
How much crabmeat or shrimp is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of lump crabmeat, imitation crab, or shrimp.
Is this dip suitable for Game Day?
Yes, it is described as an ultimate crowd-pleaser for festive parties and exciting Game Day events.
Does this dip harden over time?
No, this specific recipe is designed to stay soft and creamy throughout your event.
Can I use fresh artichokes?
The recipe specifies marinated artichoke hearts for their specific flavor and texture.
What type of pasta goes best with this dip?
Al dente linguini is the recommended pasta for serving this dip as a main dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this dip.