Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate party-stopping appetizer, look no further than this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. Each bite is sheer indulgence—a rich and savory blend of tender shrimp, sweet crab, and a trio of cheeses folded together with spinach. Every layer of flavor, from aromatic garlic to the sweet bite of onion and the subtle warmth of Old Bay seasoning, works in harmony. Whether it’s a cozy family night or the big game, you’ll have everyone reaching for just one more scoop… and then another!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients to make this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip truly irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own special character, creating a wonderfully balanced dip that’s bursting with flavor and luscious texture.

• Butter: Gives a rich base flavor and helps the onions and garlic soften for a fragrant start.
• Onion (1/2 small, finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic lift throughout the dip.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a warm, savory punch that pairs perfectly with seafood.
• Raw Shrimp (4 ounces, peeled, deveined, chopped): Delivers succulent bites and a touch of ocean flavor.
• Lump Crab Meat (4 ounces): Adds delicate, sweet seafood notes and texture.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides the creamy, tangy richness that holds the dip together.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Lightens the base and gives a gentle tanginess.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Rounds out the creamy texture and blends all the flavors seamlessly.
• Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lends classic seafood seasoning and depth of flavor.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers color and a subtle smokiness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory ingredients.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of heat.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach (1 cup, thawed and drained): Brings brightness and balances out the richness.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts smoothly for that classic cheese pull.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Gives a salty, nutty crown that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Seafood

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a sturdy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn soft and translucent—about 3 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add your chopped shrimp and cook until the pieces turn a beautiful pink, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Right before pulling it off the heat, gently fold in the luscious lump crab to warm it through. This step builds a savory, seafood-rich base for that unmistakable Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Using a wooden spoon or electric mixer, blend everything until smooth and creamy. This velvety mixture is what makes the Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip irresistible—don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 3: Combine Everything

To the creamy base, fold in your well-drained chopped spinach, the sautéed shrimp and crab mixture, shredded mozzarella, and half the grated Parmesan. This is where the dip truly comes together, becoming rich, speckled with color, and loaded with seafood in every spoonful. Make sure everything is evenly combined for the best possible texture and taste.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Lightly grease your favorite baking dish and spoon the dip mixture in. Smooth out the top and finish with a shower of the remaining Parmesan cheese. This cheesy topping isn’t just for looks—it bakes up golden and crisp, adding a satisfying layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling below.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. That irresistible aroma filling your kitchen means your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is ready to serve hot and melty!

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Garnishes

Give your dip a final flourish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of green. A light sprinkle of extra paprika or a dash of lemon zest can add lovely color and brightness, instantly elevating the presentation and flavor of your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip.

Side Dishes

Pair this bubbling beauty with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy crudités like carrot sticks and bell pepper strips. The contrast of warm, cheesy dip with cool, crisp dippers is just unbeatable, and it ensures there’s something for everyone to scoop up the goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Spoon your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a stunning centerpiece. Or bake it in mini ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties. Any way you share it, this dip is sure to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, let the dip cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making reheated portions just as scrumptious as the first bite.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip before baking! Prepare the mixture, spread into a freezer-safe dish, and cover tightly. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until bubbly—usually 15 to 20 minutes. For single servings, a brief zap in the microwave works too, but the oven preserves that irresistible cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use canned or imitation crab instead of lump crab meat?

Absolutely! While fresh lump crab has delicate flavor and texture, canned or imitation crab can be a convenient and tasty substitute in Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. Just be sure to drain well and break up larger chunks before mixing in.

What type Appetizer

Medium or large raw shrimp are ideal. Just peel, devein, and chop into small pieces. Fresh or frozen shrimp will both work, but make sure to thaw and pat dry if using frozen to keep the dip creamy and not watery.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake right before serving. It’s one of the reasons Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is a go-to for easy entertaining.

How do I make the dip spicier?

For extra kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a finely diced jalapeño to the mixture before baking. Adjust the heat level to suit your crowd’s taste!

Is this dip gluten free?

The Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip itself is naturally gluten free—just be mindful of what you serve alongside. Stick with gluten free crackers, chips, or veggies for dipping, and you’re all set.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is simply impossible to resist. With every scoop, you get a perfect blend of seafood, creamy cheese, and savory spinach. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite shareable appetizer!

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