Crab or Shrimp Dip/Mold Recipe for LoveWithRecipes.com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (Chilling Time): 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description:
This delightful Crab or Shrimp Dip, a recipe lovingly shared by my sister Garnet, has been a cherished favorite for years. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it offers incredible versatility, easily transforming from a spoonable dip to a beautifully molded salad. Recently, I enhanced it by adding gelatin to create a firmer texture for crescent roll sandwiches at a wedding shower, where it became the hit of the party. Whether youβre preparing this for a family gathering or a special celebration, its fresh flavors will undoubtedly make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 ounces | Cream cheese (softened) |
| 8 ounces | Mayonnaise |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1 teaspoon | Black pepper |
| 1/4 teaspoon | MSG (optional, for enhanced flavor) |
| 1 teaspoon | Onion powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce |
| 3 stalks | Celery (finely chopped) |
| 1 bunch | Green onions (finely chopped) |
| 2 cups | Shrimp or crab meat (cooked, diced, or canned) |
| 3 envelopes | Unflavored gelatin |
| 4 tablespoons | Cold water |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 84.5 kcal |
| Fat | 6.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 28.2 mg |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 4.9 g |
Servings: 16
Yield: Approximately 4 cups
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Mix in the salt, black pepper, MSG (if using), onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure the mixture is well-combined, creating a creamy and uniform base.
Step 2: Prepare the Gelatin (For Molded Version)
If youβre opting to create a molded version, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in cold water. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to bloom, then microwave it for 10-15 seconds until fully dissolved. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Add Canned Seafood Liquid
To enhance the flavor, pour in 1/2 cup of the liquid from the canned crab or shrimp. This adds an extra layer of seafood richness. If youβre using fresh or imitation seafood, you may skip this step or substitute with a seafood stock.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Ingredients
Gently fold in the finely chopped celery and green onions. Their crisp texture adds a delightful crunch to the creamy dip.
Step 5: Add the Seafood
Carefully mix in the shrimp or crab meat, ensuring even distribution throughout the dip. For a richer flavor, use fresh seafood, but canned or imitation options can also work well.
Step 6: Chill or Mold
- For a Spoonable Dip: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until well chilled.
- For a Molded Salad: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the seafood mixture, ensuring itβs evenly blended. Pour the mixture into a decorative mold or loaf pan, smooth the top, and refrigerate until set, approximately 2-3 hours.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Unmold the salad onto a platter if using the gelatin version, or simply serve the dip with crackers, fresh vegetables, or bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or additional chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.
Recipe Notes:
- Substitution Tip: You can substitute imitation crab or shrimp, but note that the flavor will be milder without the canned seafood liquid.
- Hosting Idea: For a party, consider serving this dip alongside crescent rolls, allowing guests to create mini sandwiches.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: For Large Groups, < 4 Hours
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