Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer that combines tender shrimp, sweet crab, and nutritious spinach in a smooth, cheesy base. Perfect for gatherings, it offers a delightful blend of seafood and creamy textures that pair wonderfully with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortilla chips, crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or crusty baguette slices for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using raw shrimp, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Flake crab meat with a fork and check for shell fragments. Combine shrimp and crab in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat, add spinach, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove and cool, pressing out any remaining liquid to avoid a watery dip.
3. Step 3: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Reduce heat and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise until well combined. Add onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Add cooked spinach to the creamy base and mix well. Gently fold in the shrimp and crab mixture. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Thin with a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream if needed.
6. Step 6 (Optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dip to a greased baking dish and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy this creamy, seafood-rich appetizer with friends and family.

Tips & Variations

• Use lobster meat or a mix of seafood for a more luxurious dip.
• Make sure to thoroughly drain spinach to prevent a watery dip.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with an assortment of dippers like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for a fresh contrast.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the dip thickens when chilled, add a little milk to loosen it while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works well. Simply chop it and sauté until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding to the dip.

Is it necessary to bake the dip?

Baking is optional but recommended if you want a warm, bubbly topping. The dip can also be served cold or at room temperature, which is perfect for casual gatherings.

Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip combines succulent shrimp, delicate crab meat, and nutritious spinach in a luscious, cheesy base. Perfectly balanced with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, this dip delivers a rich, savory experience that’s ideal for entertaining or cozy gatherings. Serve warm with crispy tortilla chips, crackers, fresh vegetables, or crusty baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dip:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips or crackers
• Fresh vegetable crudités (carrots, celery, cucumber)
• Crusty baguette slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood: If using raw shrimp, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Flake crab meat, check for shell fragments, and combine with shrimp in a bowl. Chop together to small, scoopable pieces.
2. Cook the Spinach: Thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach, squeezing out excess moisture. Alternatively, chop fresh spinach and sauté in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter over medium heat until wilted (2-3 minutes). Let cool and press out any remaining liquid.
3. Make the Creamy Base: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly. Incorporate sour cream and mayonnaise, mixing until smooth and combined. Stir in onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything: Add cooked spinach to the creamy base and stir to distribute evenly. Fold in chopped shrimp and crab. Mix in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If dip feels too thick, thin with 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, stirring to the desired consistency.
5. Bake the Dip (Optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dip to a greased baking dish such as a 9×9-inch pan and spread evenly. Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or an additional sprinkle of paprika.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm dip with tortilla chips, crackers, crusty baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités. Enjoy the rich, creamy seafood and spinach flavors with family and friends.

Notes

• Use cooked shrimp for convenience or cook raw shrimp as instructed.
• Make sure to thoroughly drain spinach to avoid watery dip.
• You can substitute or add lobster meat for a variation in seafood.
• Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or paprika according to taste.
• Baking is optional but enhances flavor and texture with a bubbly, golden top.
• Thin the dip with milk or cream if too thick after combining ingredients.
• Serve warm for best flavor; reheat gently if preparing ahead.

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