Name: The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped; 1/2 lb crab meat, lump crab or imitation crab; 1 10 oz package frozen spinach, thawed and drained; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish, optional; Crackers, chips, or bread for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for something unforgettably rich, cheesy, and packed with the flavors of the sea, look no further than The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe. This decadent appetizer brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab, velvety cheeses, and vibrant spinach into a bubbling masterpiece. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a game day extravaganza, or just a cozy night in, this dip is guaranteed to impress every palate and keep people coming back for just one more scoop.

The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe shine is its clever combination of straightforward ingredients, each offering its own magic to the final dish. By choosing good-quality seafood and cheeses, you let the colors, flavors, and irresistible creaminess truly shine through every bite!

Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and keeps everything beautifully moist while sautéing the seafood.
Shrimp (½ lb, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Brings juicy, sweet bites that tuck perfectly into each scoop.
Crab meat (½ lb, lump or imitation): Adds a subtle ocean sweetness and lovely, delicate texture.
Frozen spinach (10 oz, thawed and drained): Offers a pop of green and balances the richness with a mild, earthy bite.
Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Makes the dip ultra-creamy and smooth, providing the perfect base.
Sour cream (½ cup): Add tanginess and lightness to cut through the decadence.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Rounds out the creaminess for the ultimate dip texture.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Delivers nutty, salty complexity and helps form that irresistible top crust.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Ensures every spoonful stretches and melts beautifully.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory warmth throughout the dip, without overpowering the seafood.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Subtly heightens the overall flavor with gentle sweetness.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for boosting and balancing all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness right before serving.
Crackers, chips, or bread: Essential for scooping up every last bit of this creamy seafood goodness!

How to Make The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s piping hot and ready when your dip needs a cozy home. Next, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and sauté them for just 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and curl up. This quick cook keeps them juicy and tender. Remove from the skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces so every scoop of dip gets a taste of shrimp. Set aside while you prepare the other seafood.

Step 2: Warm the Crab Meat

In the same skillet, gently add your crab meat. Allow it to warm for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step isn’t just about warmth—it gently intensifies the crab’s sweet aroma and blends any extra moisture into the pan. Once heated, set aside the crab meat along with the shrimp.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and luxurious. This trio of cheeses and creamy goodness is what transforms The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe into a truly addictive treat, full of tang and umami depth.

Step 4: Add Seafood and Spinach

To your creamy base, fold in the thawed and well-drained spinach, freshly chopped shrimp, and luscious crab meat. Stir everything together until evenly distributed. The spinach brings a welcome pop of green and just enough earthiness to keep each bite lively.

Step 5: Season and Add Cheese

Sprinkle in the shredded Mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. This is the time to taste and adjust—you want bold, savory notes, but never anything too salty. Mixing now ensures every bite of dip gets that gooey, cheesy consistency that’s key to the dip’s charm.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your decadent mixture into a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Smooth out the top so it bakes evenly, then pop the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma—it’s impossible not to sneak a peek!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once perfectly golden, remove your dip from the oven. Let it cool for just a minute or two before showering it with fresh parsley for brightness. Serve The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe while bubbling hot, with plenty of crackers, crispy chips, or warm bread on the side for dipping. Watch it disappear!

How to Serve The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra eye-catching finish, sprinkle the bubbly top with freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, or a grating of extra Parmesan cheese. The greenery pops beautifully against the lush creamy backdrop, and a tiny pinch of lemon zest can add a delightful brightness right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe with crispy baguette slices, pita chips, sturdy tortilla chips, or crunchy multigrain crackers. If you want a fresh twist, offer vegetable sticks like celery or bell pepper strips which stand up wonderfully to such a decadent dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by serving the dip in a hollowed-out sourdough or pumpernickel bread bowl. Alternatively, bake it in individual ramekins for personal portions, or spoon dollops onto crostini for elegant, ready-to-eat bites at parties. Every style lets your guests enjoy the supreme creaminess and seafood flavors in their own way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making each scoop on day two just as swoon-worthy as the first.

Freezing

The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the dip, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place leftovers in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring in between, but the oven method preserves the best texture and cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, squeeze out excess moisture, then chop and use as you would frozen. It brings extra brightness and a bit of texture to the dip.

Is it okay to use imitation crab?

Yes, imitation crab works beautifully here, especially if lump crab isn’t in season or budget. It still gives you that sweet, delicate seafood flavor that shines in this recipe.

Can I prep The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When guests arrive, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed for stress-free entertaining.

What are the best cheeses to substitute if I don’t have Mozzarella?

If you’re out of Mozzarella, Monterey Jack or Fontina are excellent alternatives, thanks to their great melt and mild flavor. Just avoid any cheese that might overwhelm the seafood flavors.

How do I make it gluten-free?

The dip itself is totally gluten-free, so just be sure to serve it with your favorite gluten-free crackers, chips, or veggie sticks for everyone to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family, there’s no better way than by baking up The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe. Every bite is a swirl of melty cheese, sweet seafood, and savory spinach that’s impossible to resist. Dive in—you’re going to love it!

The Best Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delectable Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip. A perfect appetizer for any gathering or a cozy night in, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook shrimp until pink and cooked through. Chop into pieces and set aside.
Cook Crab: In the same skillet, heat crab meat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Mix Dip: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add spinach, shrimp, and crab. Mix well.
Add Seasonings: Fold in Mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with crackers, chips, or bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American