Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer: luscious cheeses, succulent seafood, and just enough spinach to convince yourself it’s almost healthy. It’s gloriously melty, brimming with flavor, and perfectly suited for scooping up with a crunchy chip or slice of baguette. Trust me, once you taste it, this dip will become your go-to for every gathering—it’s that irresistible and versatile!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip lies in its straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing savory depth, creaminess, or that signature seafood flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• Cooked shrimp (4 oz, chopped): Buy pre-cooked shrimp for speed, and give it a rough chop for the perfect bite-sized pieces in each scoop.
• Lump crab meat (4 oz): Fresh or canned both work! Just be sure to gently pick through for any leftover bits of shell.
• Frozen chopped spinach (1 cup, thawed and squeezed dry): Spinach adds beautiful color, a touch of earthiness, and just enough balance to the richness.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The base of all great dips—make sure it’s perfectly soft so everything blends together with ease.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Adds lightness and tang, cutting through the decadent cheeses without overwhelming them.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Helps create a creamy, luscious texture and a subtle richness.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides gentle garlicky notes throughout every bite.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings savory background flavor—so important for rounding everything out.
• Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): The classic seafood boost—zesty, fragrant, and can’t-miss for shrimp and crab dips.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Makes every ingredient truly sing.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and depth.
• Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): That epic cheese pull you’re dreaming of comes from creamy mozzarella.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, shredded): Delivers sharp, salty flavor and beautiful golden color once baked.
• Green onions (2 tbsp, chopped, optional): Sprinkle these on top for vibrant color and a fresh, subtle bite.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your favorite small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. This little step ensures nothing sticks and that every bubbling bit lifts out easily for serving.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, use a sturdy wooden spoon (or even a hand mixer for extra smoothness) to blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Work it until it’s nice and velvety—no lumps allowed!

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir! This is where the flavors start to mingle, giving your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip its signature taste.

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

Now for the showstoppers: gently fold in the chopped shrimp, lump crab, thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, half of your mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but be gentle so the seafood stays in sweet, chunky pieces.

Step 5: Spread, Top, and Bake

Spoon the dip mixture into your prepared dish and even it out. Scatter on the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for an epic cheesy crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is irresistibly bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the dip cool for just a couple minutes before diving in. If you love a pop of green and a bit of freshness, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip warm—nothing beats that first gooey scoop!

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped green onions does wonders for both flavor and visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a little extra Old Bay. Even a squeeze of lemon right before serving can brighten up this decadent dip!

Side Dishes

This dip begs to be shared, so offer plenty of ways to scoop it up—think crunchy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a crusty warm bread. The contrast between creamy dip and crunchy side is pure magic.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to a simple casserole dish. You can bake and serve your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for wow factor. Mini ramekins make adorable individual portions, while a cast iron skillet offers a rustic, crowd-pleasing look. Add edible flowers or microgreens right before serving for a whimsical finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the dip cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days—and it only gets tastier as the flavors meld together!

Freezing

Want to get ahead? You can assemble the dip, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Leftover baked dip can also be frozen, though the texture may soften a bit after reheating (still delicious, though!).

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake the leftover dip in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly. For smaller portions, the microwave works just fine—use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra mozzarella on top for gooey goodness if you like!

FAQs

Can I substitute the crab or shrimp with other seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in cooked lobster, scallops, or even firm white fish. Just keep the quantities similar, and be sure everything is well-drained and chopped for even distribution in your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip up to a day ahead and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Simply bake it right before serving—add 5-10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge for best results.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Definitely! Sauté about two cups of fresh baby spinach until wilted, then chop and press out any extra moisture. The key is to remove as much liquid as possible so your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip stays thick and scoopable.

What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?

If Old Bay isn’t available, try a mix of celery salt, paprika, a dash of cayenne, and a pinch of black pepper. This blend will echo that classic seafood flavor in your dip.

How do I make it spicier?

Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce with the seasonings. For even more heat, finely dice a jalapeño and mix it in—just right for those who like a spicy kick to their Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is my absolute favorite when it comes to wow-worthy appetizers—every spoonful is creamy, satisfying, and bursting with seafood goodness. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend this dip enough. Give it a try and watch as it steals the show at your next table!

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