Description
This Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip is a decadent, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day, holidays, or any gathering. Loaded with tender shrimp, lump crab meat, sautéed spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses, this hot dip is baked to bubbly perfection and served with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
Vegetables
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
Dairy & Condiments
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Flavorings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the dip.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chopped shrimp until pink and just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to prevent scrambling when mixed.
- Mix Dairy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the dip.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to build flavor complexity.
- Fold in Seafood and Spinach: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, and thoroughly drained spinach, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 1-quart baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot, bubbly with a golden top.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm with chips, crostini, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save preparation time.
- Broil the dip for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking for an extra golden, crispy top.
- Substitute lump crab meat with imitation crab or increase shrimp quantity if preferred.
