This Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is a decadent, velvety blend bursting with succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or cozy nights at home when I want something rich and satisfying to share or enjoy solo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dip because it combines seafood and creamy cheeses in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting. The fresh spinach adds a nice balance and a bit of brightness, while the mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates that irresistible gooey texture I crave. Plus, it’s easy to prepare but always impresses anyone I serve it to. It’s warm, flavorful, and perfect with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat, drained and flaked
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until evenly blended.
Add the chopped shrimp, crab meat, spinach, garlic, and green onions to the cheese mixture.
Mix in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I always adjust the seasoning to taste at this point.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. I like to serve it warm with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is around 15 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and the total time is roughly 40 minutes. Each serving contains about 320 calories.
Variations
I sometimes swap out the shrimp or crab for other seafood like lobster or scallops for a different flavor profile. Using spinach is my go-to, but kale or artichoke hearts work well too. For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. To make it lighter, I reduce the mayonnaise or sour cream and increase the cream cheese slightly for thickness. If I want a smoky touch, I sprinkle some extra smoked paprika on top before baking.
Storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover the dip with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but the oven method keeps it nice and creamy.
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FAQs
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dip the day before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready, I just bake it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab meat?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and drain the seafood thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve this dip with?
I love serving it with crusty bread, crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Is it possible to make this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to choose gluten-free crackers or bread to serve alongside.
Can I freeze this dip?
I don’t recommend freezing this dip because the texture of the cream cheese and seafood can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion
I always find this Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip to be a showstopper at any gathering or a cozy treat for myself. The blend of seafood, fresh spinach, and cheeses creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, comforting, and always hits the spot when I want something warm and satisfying.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Rich and Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A decadent, creamy dip blending succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, fresh spinach, and gooey cheeses, perfect for entertaining or cozy nights.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat, drained and flaked
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until evenly blended.
- Add the chopped shrimp, crab meat, spinach, garlic, and green onions to the cheese mixture.
- Mix in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
Swap shrimp or crab for lobster or scallops for variation.
Substitute spinach with kale or artichoke hearts if desired.
Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Reduce mayonnaise or sour cream for a lighter dip, increasing cream cheese for thickness.
Sprinkle extra smoked paprika on top before baking for a smoky flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Dip is gluten-free but serve with gluten-free crackers or bread if needed.
Not recommended to freeze due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
