Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip: The Ultimate Creamy Seafood Appetizer

If you’re searching for the ultimate party dip that will wow your guests and disappear within minutes, look no further than this Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip. This rich, creamy, cheesy seafood dip is loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and spinach — all baked to bubbly perfection.

Whether it’s for game day, holidays, or just a cozy night in, this dip brings the taste of the coast straight to your table. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make!


🧀 Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

  • Seafood lovers’ dream: A perfect blend of crab and shrimp in one irresistible dip.
  • Creamy & cheesy: Loaded with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, potlucks, or holidays.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake right before serving.
  • Versatile: Serve it hot with bread, crackers, or veggies.

🦀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious seafood spinach dip:

Seafood & Vegetables:

  • ½ lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • ½ lb (225 g) lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Creamy Base:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional for a little heat)

🔥 How to Make Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp and Spinach

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chopped shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if using frozen). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.


Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.

Add mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, Old Bay, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until everything is well blended.


Step 3: Add the Seafood

Fold in the crab meat and the cooked shrimp-spinach mixture. Mix gently to keep the crab pieces intact.


Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the dip mixture evenly into a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbling with a golden top.

Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning on top.


Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your hot, creamy Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip immediately with:

  • Toasted baguette slices 🥖
  • Crackers or pita chips 🧂
  • Celery sticks or bell pepper strips 🫑
  • Tortilla chips 🌽

Your guests won’t be able to stop dipping!


🧄 Tips for the Best Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip

  1. Use real crab meat for the best flavor — lump or claw meat works great.
  2. Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
  3. Drain your spinach well to avoid a watery dip.
  4. Add cheese on top before baking for extra gooey goodness.
  5. Serve warm — it’s creamiest and most flavorful straight out of the oven.

🍽️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:
Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed (add 5 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge).

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and creamy again.
  • Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content.

🌊 Variations & Add-Ins

  • Add artichokes: For a twist on classic spinach artichoke dip.
  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • Use different cheese: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar.
  • Add bacon: Because everything is better with crispy bacon bits!
  • Serve in a bread bowl: Hollow out a round loaf and bake the dip inside for a show-stopping presentation.

💛 Why Everyone Loves This Dip

This Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip combines everything we love — creamy texture, melty cheese, and savory seafood — into one irresistible appetizer. It’s elegant enough for holidays yet simple enough for weeknight indulgence.

It’s the kind of dip that makes everyone hover near the table, chips in hand, until the last bite is gone.


🦐 Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying, this Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip delivers every time. Packed with cheesy goodness, tender seafood, and garlicky spinach, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Whether served at a holiday party, game night, or family dinner, this seafood dip will become your new go-to appetizer recipe.

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Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip: The Ultimate Creamy Seafood Appetizer


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained (squeeze out excess water!)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
• ½ cup lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: dash of hot sauce or lemon juice for brightness


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more garlic, lemon, or heat if desired.
  3. Transfer mixture to the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving with:
    → Tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers
    → Baguette slices or celery sticks
    → As a topping for baked potatoes

Great for:
• Holiday appetizers
• Seafood lovers’ gatherings
• Elegant yet easy entertaining

💡 Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance. Refrigerate and bake when ready.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 40 mins , Servings : 8 (¼-cup servings) , Calories : 140 per serving , Net Carbs: 3g , Fats: 10g , Protein: 9g

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