Get ready to meet your new all-star appetizer! Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is everything you crave in a party dip: irresistibly rich, packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab, and finished with a crave-worthy golden crust of bubbling cheese. The savory flavors of fresh seafood, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach come together in the easiest, most crowd-pleasing way imaginable. Whether you’re making this for your next gathering or just treating yourself to the ultimate indulgence, you’ll find every bite delivers sheer comfort and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is how each ingredient layers flavor and texture—nothing fancy, just the essentials! From luscious cheese to succulent seafood, these staples are easy to find and work together for maximum creamy, savory impact.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil gives your shrimp a deliciously tender and juicy start.
- Raw shrimp (½ pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Look for fresh or thawed raw shrimp; they’ll cook quickly and stay plump in the dip.
- Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): The secret weapon for adding that classic, savory seafood kick.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This forms the ultra-creamy base—softening makes mixing a breeze.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a pleasant tang and silkiness to balance the richness.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): A little mayo creates body while keeping the dip from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lends subtle allium depth that echoes through every bite.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): A dash of onion powder rounds out the flavor without overpowering the seafood.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): For gentle smokiness and a touch of appetizing color.
- Frozen chopped spinach (1 cup, thawed and squeezed dry): Make sure to squeeze out excess water for a dip that’s creamy, not watery.
- Lump crab meat (½ cup, picked over for shells): A little goes a long way—the sweet crabmeat really shines here.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, creating those dreamy cheese pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Gives the perfect hit of umami and that irresistible golden crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season—it balances all the other rich flavors.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish): For a fresh, colorful touch that wakes up the whole dish.
How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Shrimp
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your shrimp started. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium, then toss in the chopped shrimp and sprinkle with Old Bay. Sauté just 2–3 minutes—shrimp cooks fast, so stop once it’s pink and tender. Set aside to cool for a moment; this keeps them juicy in the final dip.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until seamlessly smooth. This trio is the magic behind the dreamy, luxurious texture of your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip.
Step 3: Season and Build Flavor
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to your cheese mixture. Stir well so every bite will be seasoned to perfection. These spices bring out the best in the seafood without stealing the show.
Step 4: Add Seafood, Spinach, and Cheeses
Fold the cooled shrimp, lump crab meat, squeezed-dry spinach, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan right into the creamy mixture. Go gentle—to keep those bites of seafood and the greens nice and visible, not mushy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the dip evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top for a savory, melty finish. Pop it in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until everything is wonderfully hot and the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the dip cool just a few minutes before sprinkling with green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Now it’s ready for scooping—invite everyone to grab a cracker, because this dip is irresistible piping hot!
How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley not only makes Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip look sensational, it also adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with all the richness. If you love a bit of spice, scatter on some thinly sliced jalapeños for added zing.
Side Dishes
This decadent dip begs for sturdy dippers. Offer an array: crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or veggie sticks like bell pepper and cucumber. Each bite gets a little different crunch, making the dip the star of your appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by spooning the baked Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip into individual ramekins for a personal-size starter. Or, serve it directly from a cast iron skillet for rustic charm. For parties, hollow out a round loaf and bake the dip inside for a show-stopping bread bowl everyone will remember!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It stays delicious for up to 3 days—just scoop out what you need and enjoy when cravings hit.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dip for up to two months. Simply spread into a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, though for best texture, fresh is always more satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the dip into a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbly (cover loosely with foil to avoid over-browning). For single servings, a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick—just keep an eye to avoid overheating the seafood.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat or pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can swap in canned crab (well-drained and checked for shells) and pre-cooked shrimp, though the flavor and texture really shine with fresh options. If using cooked shrimp, just chop and add it with the crab and spinach, skipping the sauté step.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip itself is naturally gluten-free! Serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies for a totally wheat-free treat.
How do I make it spicier?
For extra heat, stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or red pepper flakes when mixing the filling. You can also top with jalapeños for an added kick.
What’s the best way to thaw and drain the spinach?
Thaw frozen spinach either overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Once thawed, wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess water as possible for a nice, non-soggy dip.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the dip a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving so it comes out hot, bubbly, and ready to steal the show.
Final Thoughts
Few appetizers bring pure happiness to the table quite like Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. With its luxe texture, bold seafood flavors, and unmistakable cheesy goodness, you’re bound to win hearts (and appetites) at any gathering. The only question left: who will scrape the last bit from the dish? Give it a try—sharing is optional!
Print
Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate party appetizer with this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. Packed with seafood goodness, this hot and bubbly dip is perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- ½ cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning until just pink. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold in shrimp, crab meat, spinach, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm with crackers or chips.
Notes
- For extra spice, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
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