Name: Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; 4 ounces lump crab meat; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re searching for a showstopping appetizer that brings serious “wow” factor to the table, look no further than this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. This crowd-pleaser is impossibly rich and decadent, with plump shrimp and sweet crab folded into luscious cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheeses. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and earthiness, while just the right touch of Old Bay turns each bite into a mini seaside celebration. This dip bakes up bubbling and golden, ready to steal the spotlight at any party or family get-together.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly special about this dip is how each simple ingredient plays its part—bringing texture, seasoning, and indulgent flavor to every single bite. Here’s what you need and a bit of why each item matters:

Butter: Adds a silky base and helps sweat out the onion for a mellow, savory start.
Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Garlic: A little zingy punch that rounds everything out—don’t skip it!
Raw Shrimp: Chopped and gently sautéed so you get tender bites in every scoop.
Lump Crab Meat: Brings sweet, briny flavor—if you can swing fresh, it really makes a difference, but canned or imitation work in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation that holds everything together and makes the dip irresistibly smooth.
Sour Cream: Adds tang that helps cut the richness—just enough to keep you coming back for more.
Mayonnaise: Gives body and a touch of eggy silkiness to the mix.
Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that brings a peppery, herby kick.
Paprika: Warm, smoky undertone and that subtle reddish color on top.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials for bringing every other flavor to life.
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Easy, affordable, and adds lovely green flecks along with a gentle earthiness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Gives you the unbeatable cheese pull—stretchy, mild and melty.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty, and adds that beautiful golden crust after baking.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Seafood

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your finely diced onion. Cook it for about three minutes, stirring often, until it’s soft and fragrant—this builds a savory base. Toss in the minced garlic for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant (not brown!). Add the chopped shrimp and let them cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and tender. Off the heat, gently stir in the lump crab meat. This quick cook ensures both shrimp and crab stay juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your soft cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Sprinkle in the Old Bay, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the core of your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip—it should look fluffy and taste tangy and well-seasoned.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together

Now, it’s time to add your thawed, well-drained chopped spinach to the bowl, followed by the shrimp and crab mixture from the skillet. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of your grated Parmesan. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the seafood and spinach are evenly distributed and the cheese is mixed throughout. You’re aiming for a harmonious blend with seafood in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the dip mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese all over the top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the dip is bubbling at the edges and the Parmesan forms a lightly golden crust. The aroma at this point is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen. Serve hot, while everything is at peak cheesiness!

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Garnishes

To really make your Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip pop, top it off with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley or chives right after baking. A little lemon zest is another wonderful way to add freshness. For a hint of heat and color, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce does the trick.

Side Dishes

Classic dippers like salty tortilla chips and crispy crostini are always welcome, but this dip also shines with an array of crunchy vegetables—think sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, or endive leaves. They add contrast and keep things feeling light even when you go back for seconds (or thirds!).

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit playful with your presentation, try hollowing out a round sourdough loaf and serving your dip inside—bread bowl style! Or scoop the Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip into individual ramekins for a personal-size appetizer everyone will love. It’s also fabulous dolloped onto baked potatoes or spooned over grilled chicken or fish for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any dip left (a rare occurrence), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, holding onto that creamy dreaminess without any trouble.

Freezing

This dip actually freezes better than you’d expect—just make sure it’s cooled first. Spoon it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The seafood and cheeses will stay tender and flavorful, making it easy to plan ahead for future cravings or parties.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake the dip (uncovered) in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through and melty again, usually about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave small portions, but the oven keeps the texture lush and the cheese beautifully melted. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for best results.

FAQs

Can I use canned or imitation crab meat?

Absolutely! While fresh lump crab gives the dip a more luxurious flavor, canned or imitation crab work wonderfully and make this recipe budget-friendly and accessible any time.

Is it possible to make the dip spicier?

Of course—feel free to add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes when you mix the base. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of some mozzarella for a gentle kick.

Can I prepare Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip ahead of time?

Yes—just assemble the dip, cover, and chill in the fridge for up to a day before you plan to bake. When guests arrive, pop it in the oven and serve hot from the dish. This trick makes entertaining a breeze.

What’s the best way to thaw and drain frozen spinach?

Let the spinach thaw overnight in the fridge, then squeeze out excess liquid with your hands or by pressing it gently in a fine mesh strainer. Removing the water prevents a soggy dip and keeps the texture just right.

Are there other cheeses I can use?

You can get creative here—try swapping in fontina, cheddar, or even Gruyère for the mozzarella, or blend several cheeses for extra flavor depth. Just be sure to use melty varieties for that classic creamy finish.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat your friends and family to something utterly irresistible, Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip truly delivers with every gooey, flavorful scoop. It’s party-perfect, satisfyingly simple, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “just one more bite.” Give it a try and see why this dip is a favorite in so many kitchens!

Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Cheesy and Creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip, a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
4 ounces lump crab meat

Cheese Mixture:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Cook Seafood: Add chopped shrimp and cook until pink. Remove from heat and stir in crab meat.
Mix Cheese: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in spinach, shrimp, crab, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Transfer to a baking dish.
Bake: Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Enjoy hot with tortilla chips, crostini, or vegetables.