When you’re in the mood for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip hits all the right notes! Packed with seafood, creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and flavorful garlic, it’s the ultimate savory dip for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a special treat, this dip is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Crab Spinach Dip
- Seafood Lovers’ Dream: The combination of shrimp and lump crab adds a rich, decadent flavor to this creamy dip.
- Loaded with Cheese: With cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dip is ultra-cheesy and satisfying.
- Spinach for a Fresh Twist: Fresh spinach brings a touch of green to balance the richness, adding a boost of nutrients, too!
- Perfect for Parties: Serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – A classic seasoning blend that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread – For serving!
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp! You want them tender, not rubbery.
2. Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well-combined.
Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid any lumps in the dip.
3. Add the Seafood & Spinach
Next, stir in your cooked shrimp, 1/2 pound lump crab meat, 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Mix everything until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The combination of seafood, spinach, and cheese creates an irresistible flavor explosion!
4. Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the dip mixture into an oven-safe dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Pro Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melty, and the top starts to turn a beautiful golden-brown color!
5. Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dippers—tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread. Trust me, this creamy, cheesy dip will be the star of any appetizer spread!
Why This Dip Is a Must-Try
This Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of seafood with the creaminess of cheese and a touch of garlic. It’s luxurious yet easy to make, and perfect for any gathering, whether you’re hosting a game night, holiday party, or even just a cozy night in with family.
Dipping Ideas & Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ways to serve your delicious shrimp and crab dip:
- Tortilla Chips: The crunch of tortilla chips makes a great contrast to the creamy dip.
- Crackers: Go for buttery or whole-grain crackers for a nice balance.
- Toasted Bread: Slice up a baguette and toast the pieces for a warm, crispy dipping option.
- Veggies: For a lighter option, serve with celery sticks, bell peppers, or cucumber slices.
Customizing Your Dip
Want to switch things up a little? Here are a few ways you can make this recipe your own:
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, throw in some extra mozzarella or even some shredded cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Lemon Zest: Brighten the flavors with a little lemon zest in the mix or on top before serving.
Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip with Garlic and Parmesan
Recipe by Grace
Servings
8servings
Prep time
10minutes
Cooking time
25minutes
Calories
300 per servingkcal
Total time
35minutes
This flavorful dip is packed with shrimp, crab, spinach, and creamy cheese. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy this special occasion appetizer for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving
Directions
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Dip:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Seafood and Spinach:
- Stir in the cooked shrimp, crab meat, chopped spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the dip mixture into an oven-safe dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the dip cool slightly. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a special treat, this Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip with Garlic and Parmesan is a guaranteed winner. Loaded with seafood, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, this dip is irresistibly creamy and packed with savory flavors. Make it once, and it’ll become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
Happy dipping!
