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–+ servings

Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip

Creamy seafood spinach dip served in a decorative bowl with fresh ingredients
A rich, cheesy, and flavorful dip made with shrimp, crab, and spinach that's perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

Seafood and Spinach

  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
  • 8 oz crab meat (real or imitation) Real crab adds better texture and flavor; imitation crab keeps costs down.
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and very well drained Squeeze or press out all excess liquid.

Creamy Base

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened Room temperature makes it easiest to mix.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Adds a bright tang.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise For silkiness; swap Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melts nicely and stretches.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Brings salty, umami depth.
  • 2 tablespoons butter To sauté garlic.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic beats powder here for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances savory notes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika For color and a hint of smokiness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Tortilla chips or crackers
  • Fresh vegetable crudités
  • Crusty baguette slices

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the dip.
  • If shrimp are not yet cooked, poach in simmering water for 2–3 minutes until opaque, then cool and chop. If using pre-cooked shrimp, just chop into bite-sized pieces. Gently flake or pick through crab meat. Remove any shells.
  • Thaw frozen spinach and place in a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel. Press or squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible.

Make the Creamy Base

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add minced garlic briefly sautéed in butter for a mellow garlic flavor.

Combine Everything

  • Fold the drained spinach, chopped shrimp, and crab into the creamy mixture.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Bake the Dip (Optional)

  • Transfer mixture to an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until hot and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. For a no-bake version, chill for 30 minutes and serve cold or at room temperature.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Let rest 5 minutes after baking.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, warm baguette slices, or vegetable crudités.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For best safety and quality, do not keep longer than three days. You can freeze the dip, but texture changes are likely. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.