If decadent, creamy seafood dips make your heart flutter, you’re in for a treat! This Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is the very definition of indulgence, combining luscious cheeses, savory shrimp, sweet crab, and fresh spinach into one unforgettable spread. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, this hot bubbly dish is guaranteed to win over every seafood lover at the table. Dip in, and get ready for comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how every ingredient plays a starring role – from creamy cheeses to succulent seafood, each builds layers of flavor and texture that make this dip utterly irresistible. Grab these essentials to create a showstopper dish that’s deceptively simple yet luxuriously rich.
- Butter: Adds richness and perfectly sautés the onion and garlic for depth and aroma.
- Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and a gentle bite, balancing the richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Packs a punch of irresistible aroma and traditional flavor.
- Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Juicy, tender bites of shrimp infuse the dip with fresh, briny notes.
- Lump Crab Meat (1/2 lb): Adds sweet, succulent seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Fresh Spinach (5 oz, chopped): Wilts down to give color, nutrients, and a fresh balance to all the cheese.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The backbone of that signature creamy, dreamy texture.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Brightens the richness and helps everything blend together silkily.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Gives even more creaminess and a touch of tang.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Delivers gooey, stretchy, cheesy satisfaction throughout the dip.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty bite that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): The classic seafood blend that ties everything together with a subtle spice.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Revs up the flavor just enough without overpowering the delicate seafood.
- Lemon Juice (juice of 1/2 lemon): Lifts the whole dish with a fresh burst of citrus at the finish.
How to Make Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Begin your adventure by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it soften for about three minutes until it turns translucent and aromatic. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This combo creates the delicious flavor base that will anchor your Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add your chopped shrimp directly to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Let them sizzle and cook for two to three minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. The goal is to keep the shrimp tender, so avoid overcooking—these succulent pieces will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Now, toss in the chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt down in the pan. Stir occasionally until the greens are soft and vibrant—this should take only a couple of minutes. The spinach not only adds color but also brings an earthy freshness that balances the decadence of the cheese.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Fold them together until everything’s smooth and evenly combined—it should look irresistibly creamy!
Step 5: Combine Seafood and Veggies
Gently fold your shrimp, crab meat, and spinach mixture into the creamy cheese base. Take care not to break up the crab lumps too much, so you get those rewarding bites of seafood throughout every scoop. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Spoon the dip into a greased 1-quart baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking. Pop it in your preheated 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and bubbly, and the edges are just starting to get irresistibly caramelized. Let the Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip cool slightly before serving for maximum flavor and the perfect dippable consistency!
How to Serve Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by sprinkling extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the hot dip just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a bright, zesty finish to each bite, while a pinch of smoked paprika brings a touch of color and warmth.
Side Dishes
This dip practically begs for crunchy accompaniments like toasted baguette slices, sturdy tortilla chips, or buttery crackers. If you want to add a vegetable twist, try serving it alongside crisp celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or even endive leaves—perfect for scooping up gooey goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip in a hollowed-out loaf of sourdough turns this party dish into an edible centerpiece. For a fun twist, try spooning it into individual ramekins or mini bread bowls so everyone gets their own melty portion—no double dipping required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip (although that’s rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy another round of this crowd-pleaser.
Freezing
While the dip can be frozen in a pinch, dairy-based mixtures like this one do have a tendency to separate when thawed. For best quality, freeze the assembled, unbaked dip tightly wrapped, then bake fresh before serving. This helps preserve that signature silky-smooth texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through—usually about 15 minutes for a whole dish. For single servings, the microwave works fine: heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until bubbly and hot. Serve right away for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp or crab for the dip?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly. Frozen seafood works wonderfully and can make this Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip even more convenient for any occasion.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the dip up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered tightly. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—no need to bring it to room temperature first, but you may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How do I keep the dip warm at a party?
Use a small slow cooker or a warming tray to keep the Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip warm and melty during your gathering. It’ll stay perfect for hours… if it lasts that long!
What are some good gluten-free options for dipping?
Sturdy vegetable sticks (like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots), gluten-free crackers, or even thick-cut potato chips are delicious gluten-free choices for pairing with this rich, cheesy seafood appetizer.
Is this dip spicy?
The recipe offers a gentle kick from Old Bay seasoning, but it isn’t spicy. If you want heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mix.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spoil your friends, family, or just your own taste buds, this Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip delivers every time. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes people hover over the snack table and sneak back for seconds. Dive in and experience that epic cheesy seafood magic for yourself!
Print
Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Cheesy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this seafood dip is a real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat
- 5 oz fresh spinach (chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté aromatics and seafood: In a skillet, cook onion and garlic, then add shrimp, crab, and spinach.
- Prepare the creamy base: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, cheeses, seasonings, and lemon juice.
- Combine everything: Fold in the seafood mixture, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or crackers.
- You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
