If you have a craving for something irresistibly indulgent, this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe is about to become your new go-to appetizer. Imagine tender chunks of shrimp and lump crab meat mingling with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and melty mozzarella. It’s rich, decadent, and packed with flavor that will wow your guests or simply spoil yourself on any occasion. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or an easy snack, this dip offers the perfect balance of texture and taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dip’s flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the succulent seafood to the creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach, all rounded out by savory spices and garlic that bring the dish alive.

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Fresh or thawed, these add a sweet, tender bite packed with ocean goodness.
1/2 lb lump crab meat: Choose lump crab for its flaky texture and rich flavor that complements shrimp perfectly.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brightens the dip with color and a subtle earthy note while adding a healthy touch.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for that creamy, dreamy texture everyone loves.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, keeping the dip perfectly balanced.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings smoothness and moisture for easy dipping.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the dip its gooey, cheesy pull.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to elevate the overall flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dip with aromatic warmth and a touch of zest.
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning: A perfect seasoning blend that complements seafood with a subtle kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple essentials to enhance and balance all the flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and shrimp, creating the dish’s flavorful foundation.
Tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving: Ideal vehicles to scoop up every cheesy, creamy bite.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Spinach

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Toss in the chopped shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should only take a couple of minutes. This step ensures your seafood is tender and the spinach retains a lovely fresh flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whisk these together until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture is what will give your dip that irresistible luscious texture. Don’t rush this step because a lump-free base means the perfect mouthfeel every time.

Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasoning

Fold the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the creamy base. Next, sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all the flavors uniformly. The cheeses will melt into the creamy mix, while the seasoning brings out the best of the shrimp and crab.

Step 4: Add the Seafood and Spinach

Gently fold in the sautéed shrimp with garlic and spinach along with the lump crab meat, being careful to keep the crab flakes intact for that delicate texture. This step brings together the star ingredients, infusing the base with hearty seafood flavor and vibrant greens, which makes this dip truly irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top. The gentle baking melds all those wonderful flavors and gives the cheese a delightful melted crust, elevating the dip to a whole new level.

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

Garnishes

To create an inviting presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of your dip after baking. These herbs not only add a splash of vibrant green but also bring fresh, herbaceous notes that lighten the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of paprika can also enhance the look and taste beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crisp tortilla chips and buttery toasted bread slices are classics that offer a satisfying crunch. For a healthier contrast, try crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. The options are endless and customizable based on your preferences or guests’ tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving the dip inside a hollowed-out round loaf of sourdough bread—it doubles as an edible bowl and adds extra texture. Alternatively, put together a seafood-themed appetizer platter featuring this dip alongside cocktail shrimp, smoked salmon slices, and a crisp white wine. This presentation transforms your dish from simple dip to a show-stopping starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily store any leftover Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled so the seafood stays fresh and the flavors stay vibrant for your next snack or meal.

Freezing

While this dip is best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Place the dip in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of the cream cheese mixture might shift slightly after freezing but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until bubbly and hot throughout, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese from separating and maintain the dip’s creamy texture. Stir halfway through reheating for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry, and drain excess moisture to avoid a watery dip. Using fresh or high-quality frozen seafood will ensure the best flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This saves time and lets the flavors meld together nicely before heating.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, you can mix together celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne as a homemade alternative. This will deliver similar savory and slightly spicy notes that complement seafood.

Can I make this dip vegetarian-friendly?

To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the shrimp and crab and add extra spinach or artichoke hearts for a similar texture. You could also include sautéed mushrooms for a meaty feel while keeping it cheesy and creamy.

What are some serving ideas besides chips and bread?

Try serving this dip with grilled pita wedges, cucumber boats, endive leaves, or even crispy plantain chips for a unique twist and a variety of textures to delight your palate.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion without any fuss. The perfect marriage of fresh seafood, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach makes this dish a warm, welcoming treat every time. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share it with friends and family—it’s one appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress and disappear fast!

Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

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4.2 from 84 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is a delightful blend of succulent seafood, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses, perfect as an appetizer or party snack. The dip combines chopped shrimp and lump crab meat with a creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, enhanced by garlic and Old Bay seasoning for a flavorful seafood twist. Served warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 lb lump crab meat

Vegetables

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Oils

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Serving

Tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the seafood: Peel, devein, and chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the crab meat is free of shells and gently flake it into chunks.
Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
Cook the shrimp: Add chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Wilt the spinach: In the same skillet, add the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove excess liquid if any remains.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
Combine all ingredients: Fold in the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, wilted spinach, and sautéed garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
Bake the dip: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when mixing the base.
Fresh lump crab meat is preferred but canned crab meat can be used if necessary.
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the spinach to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
This dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American