Print

Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip Recipe

4.9 from 107 reviews

This Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Featuring a delicious blend of shrimp, crab meat, and spinach combined with a creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, this dip is elevated by melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It can be served warm or baked for a golden, bubbly top, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser alongside crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dip:

  • 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

For Serving:

  • Tortilla chips or crackers
  • Fresh vegetable crudités (carrots, celery, cucumber)
  • Crusty baguette slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood: If using raw shrimp, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Check crab meat for shell fragments, flake with a fork, and set aside. Combine chopped shrimp and crab in a bowl.
  2. Cook the Spinach: Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture; if using fresh, chop and sauté with a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain any remaining moisture using paper towels or a clean cloth and set aside to cool.
  3. Make the Creamy Base: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Incorporate sour cream and mayonnaise, stirring until fully combined. Mix in onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked spinach to the creamy base and stir to distribute evenly. Fold in the chopped seafood mixture. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. If too thick, thin with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream as desired.
  5. Bake the Dip (Optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, crackers, crusty baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités. This creamy, flavorful dip is perfect for entertaining and sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Notes

  • If using raw shrimp, make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the dip.
  • Thoroughly draining the spinach prevents the dip from becoming watery.
  • Substitute crab meat with lobster or other preferred seafood for variation.
  • Baking the dip is optional but adds a wonderful golden, melty top.
  • Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika according to your taste preferences.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers for different textures and flavors.

Keywords: seafood spinach dip, creamy dip recipe, shrimp and crab dip, appetizer recipe, party dip, baked seafood dip