Introduction

This Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip is a delightful appetizer that brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and savory spinach in a luscious, cheesy base. Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy spinach and artichoke dip, showing three main layers: a smooth, white cheese base with a soft texture and seasonings, mixed with dark green spinach leaves spread evenly throughout, and chunks of pale pink artichoke pieces scattered on top. The dip has a slightly shiny surface with a few drops of olive oil and pepper flakes sprinkled across. Around the edge of the bowl, there are golden-brown crackers slightly overlapping each other, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
8 oz crab meat (or imitation crab, if preferred)
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips or crackers (for serving)
Fresh vegetable crudités (optional, for serving)
Crusty baguette slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood. If using raw shrimp, cook it in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. Flake crab meat with a fork, checking for shell fragments. Combine shrimp and crab in a bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach. Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir to melt smoothly. Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise until well combined. Season with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything. Add spinach to the creamy base and stir to mix. Fold in the chopped seafood. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the mixture is smooth. If too thick, thin with a little milk or heavy cream.
Step 5: Bake the Dip (Optional). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dip to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or toasted baguette slices. Enjoy the rich, creamy seafood flavor with your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, fresher flavor.
Swap crab meat with lobster or scallops for a different seafood twist.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat in your dip.
For extra richness, stir in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt before baking.
To make it vegetarian, omit seafood and add more spinach and artichoke hearts.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent separating.

How to Serve

A white dish holds a creamy, thick dip with visible layers of melted white cheese mixed with dark green spinach leaves and small bright orange pieces of carrot scattered throughout. The surface shows a slight golden crust around the edges. A white cracker is dipping into the mixture, lifted by a woman's hand, pulling a stretchy, gooey fiber of melted cheese. More white crackers are arranged in the background on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours ahead or the night before. Keep it refrigerated and bake or warm just before serving.

Can I freeze the Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip?

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy texture may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.