Looking for the kind of appetizer that makes jaws drop and guests come back for seconds… and thirds? Meet your new party favorite: Cheesy, Rich, and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip. Loaded with succulent shrimp, tender lump crab meat, and gooey melted cheese, this warm and bubbly dip is pure indulgence in a dish.
Whether you’re entertaining for a game night, holiday party, or cozy night in, this luxurious seafood dip is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. It’s creamy, savory, and brimming with rich flavor—and the best part? It only takes 35 minutes from start to finish.
Who This Recipe Is For
This recipe is a dream come true for seafood lovers and cheese aficionados alike. It’s perfect if you’re:
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Hosting a gathering and want an easy-yet-elegant appetizer.
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Craving comfort food with a gourmet twist.
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Looking for a crowd-pleaser that pairs with everything from cocktails to cold beer.
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A big fan of classic spinach artichoke dip and want to upgrade it with seafood flair.
Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion or just spoiling yourself (and why not?), this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at what makes this dip so irresistible:
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped 🍤
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1/2 lb lump crab meat 🦀
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped 🥬
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8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
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1/2 cup sour cream 🍶
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
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3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
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1 tsp Old Bay seasoning 🌿
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Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread, for serving
These ingredients create a luscious, cheesy dip packed with the briny-sweet flavor of seafood and the richness of garlic and spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll continue cooking slightly in the oven.
2️⃣ Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
For ultra-smooth texture, use a hand mixer.
3️⃣ Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, chopped spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well distributed but avoid overmixing.
4️⃣ Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the dip evenly in a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
5️⃣ Serve Hot
Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or slices of toasted baguette.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Skillet for cooking shrimp
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Garlic press or mincer
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Oven-safe baking dish (9×9 or similar)
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Spatula
Optional but useful:
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Citrus zester for a touch of lemon zest
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Food processor (if you want an ultra-smooth texture)
Serving Suggestions
Pair this indulgent seafood dip with the right accompaniments to elevate your entire spread:
Dippers:
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Crunchy tortilla chips
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Sourdough or French bread slices, toasted
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Pita chips
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Crackers or crostini
Beverages:
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Crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
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Champagne or Prosecco for a fancier affair
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Light beer or pale ale for casual settings
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Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
Recipe Variations & Tips
Want to customize the dip to your taste or dietary needs? Try these:
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Add spice: Stir in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.
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Make it gluten-free: Serve with GF crackers or veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers.
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Swap the seafood: Use canned crab, imitation crab, or even cooked scallops or lobster for a luxe twist.
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Add artichokes: For a mashup of spinach-artichoke and seafood dip, fold in a cup of chopped artichoke hearts.
Time-saving tip: Buy pre-cooked shrimp and fresh-picked crab meat from your seafood counter to skip a step!
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them:
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Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
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Freezing not recommended: Because of the dairy content, freezing may change the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes! Opt for high-quality lump crab meat, and make sure to drain it well before adding.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble the dip, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best type of shrimp to use?
Medium to large shrimp work best. Chop them into bite-sized pieces after cooking. Pre-cooked shrimp can save time, but fresh or thawed raw shrimp give better flavor.
Can I make this dip without spinach?
Yes! You can omit the spinach or substitute it with kale, collard greens, or even chopped parsley for a slightly different texture and taste.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Cheesy, Rich, and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is everything an appetizer should be: warm, indulgent, shareable, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality decadence straight to your kitchen—no special occasion required.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your foodie friends, post your creations on social media, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that impress every time.
This is more than a dip—it’s your new secret weapon for every party. Now go forth and dip into greatness. 🦀🧄🧀