Name: cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; 1/2 pound lump crab meat (drained and picked over); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 28 reviews

Get ready to wow your guests and satisfy your own seafood cravings with this cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe! Perfectly baked until irresistibly bubbly and golden, this dip marries lush, melty cheeses with plump shrimp, sweet crab, and spinach for a party platter that’s both elegant and comforting. Every bite is loaded with creamy, savory goodness, making it an absolute must for special occasions, game days, or any time you’re craving an appetizer that’s as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Seafood Spinach Dip: Perfect Party App!

You only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients to create magic with this cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe. Each element is carefully chosen to balance texture, flavor, and color, ensuring a dip that always gets rave reviews.

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps cook your shrimp evenly without sticking.
Raw shrimp: Fresh, peeled, deveined, and chopped for the best bite and flavor.
Lump crab meat: A succulent seafood base for natural sweetness and texture; use fresh or high-quality canned for flexibility.
Fresh spinach: Brings color and a subtle earthiness; swap for frozen if you’re in a pinch.
Cream cheese: The ultimate key to a lusciously creamy dip that holds everything together.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens the overall texture for smooth, scoopable goodness.
Mayonnaise: Blends with the other dairy for a glossy, unified dip and boosts flavor.
Garlic powder: Delivers mellow, rounded garlic notes without overpowering.
Onion powder: Subtle onion sweetness without extra chopping; just sprinkle and go.
Smoked paprika: Brings gentle, smoky depth and an inviting golden hue on top.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and making all those rich flavors pop.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides stretch, melt, and that classic gooey cheese allure.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends nutty, umami punch and browns beautifully on top.
Chopped green onions or parsley: A fresh, bright finish that also adds a pop of color for serving.

How to Make cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting the scene—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or a trusty cast iron skillet. Taking a moment to preheat ensures the cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe gets that gloriously golden-bubbly top that makes everyone swoon.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Spinach

Warm your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until those pink beauties are opaque. Next, pile in the spinach and let it wilt down, transforming into a gorgeous emerald green. This step locks in the freshest seafood flavors!

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until you have a dreamy, smooth texture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This trio of creamy ingredients and seasonings is the backbone of your dip—every scoop will deliver on lush, rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gently fold the cooked shrimp and spinach, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese into your creamy base. Take care not to overmix; you want pockets of crab and ribbons of spinach in every bite. This step turns simple ingredients into the star-studded filling of your cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Transfer your mixture to the greased baking dish, smoothing it out for even coverage. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and heated through. For the ultimate cheesy top, broil for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until deep golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped green onions or parsley over your piping hot dip. Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and irresistible, alongside crackers, crostini, or a sliced crusty baguette.

How to Serve cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe

cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of parsley is really all you need, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A squeeze of fresh lemon, dusting of extra Parmesan, or a light drizzle of olive oil can take the presentation of your cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe over the top.

Side Dishes

This dip loves friends—especially when served with crunchy crostini, sturdy pita chips, or thick slices of baguette. Tortilla chips and lightly toasted sourdough add perfect texture for scooping. Pair with a crisp green salad or chilled vegetable crudites to balance the decadent flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner entertainer and try spooning the dip into mini bread bowls or serving it in a hollowed rustic loaf for a show-stopping table centerpiece. You can also portion the dip into individual ramekins for stylish, mess-free servings at elegant gatherings. The cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe is versatile enough to shine no matter how you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dip cool to room temperature first! This seafood beauty doesn’t lose any of its irresistible creaminess the next day.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dip in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. Freezing after baking is possible, but can slightly change the texture of the cheese—delicious all the same!

Reheating

Pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes (covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each time until hot and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use canned or imitation crab meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While lump crab meat delivers the freshest, most delicate flavor, canned or even imitation crab works beautifully in the cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe. Just be sure to drain any canned crab well and pick over for shells before adding.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the dip up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When party time arrives, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Fresh from the oven, it’ll taste just as amazing as if you made it on the spot.

How do I make this gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free—just be mindful of what you serve alongside. Choose gluten-free crackers, chips, or slices of gluten-free bread for dipping to keep everyone happy and included.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You sure can! Thaw and thoroughly drain frozen spinach to avoid excess moisture in your dip. One cup of frozen spinach is about equal to two cups fresh, making frozen spinach a handy swap for convenience.

What should I do if my dip is too thick?

If your cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe turns out thicker than you’d like, gently stir in a splash of milk or a little extra sour cream until it reaches your desired scoopable consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so magical about diving into a hot, bubbling dish of this cheesy rich and creamy shrimp and crab spinach dip recipe—every bite sings with fresh seafood and creamy, cheesy goodness. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and treat your friends and family to a truly memorable appetizer. Happy scooping!