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Creamy seafood spinach dip served in a bowl with crispy chips

Creamy Seafood Spinach Dip

A rich, creamy appetizer featuring shrimp, crab, and spinach, perfect for gatherings and parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seafood Ingredients
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz crab meat, real or imitation Imitation works fine for budget
Dairy Ingredients
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened Bring to room temperature for mixing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt to cut calories
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and very well drained Squeeze out moisture to prevent watery dip
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp butter For sautéing garlic
  • Tortilla chips, crackers, and fresh vegetable crudités for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Clean and cube the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and pick over the crab meat to remove shell fragments.
  3. Squeeze the thawed spinach in a clean towel until nearly all moisture is removed.
Cooking
  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper until fully combined.
  3. Fold in the sautéed garlic, drained spinach, chopped shrimp, crab meat, and half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan.
  4. Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  5. Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Broil for an additional 1–2 minutes for a deeper crust if desired.
  6. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a cold version, mix all ingredients without baking and chill for at least an hour. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.