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Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip

This creamy, cheesy seafood spinach dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Base
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for best texture
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier lift)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus extra for topping) Use fresh for a better melt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Aromatics
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Seafood and Veggies
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained (or 6–8 cups fresh baby spinach, wilted and squeezed)
  • 8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped Use small dice or roughly chopped
  • 8 oz lump crab meat, flaked and gently checked for shells Or use high-quality imitation crab
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon paprika + pinch of cayenne)
  • 1/2 tablespoon juice of half a lemon About 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick
For Serving
  • toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or crisp veggies Choose your preferred serving method

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or a shallow ovenproof skillet.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. If using fresh spinach, toss it into the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. If using thawed frozen spinach, squeeze it dry in a clean towel or fine mesh and add it in, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the spinach mixture, chopped shrimp, and crab meat to the cheese mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan for that golden-bubbly crown.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and lightly browned on top.
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Alternative Option
  1. If you're short on oven time, keep the skillet you used and bake in it if ovenproof. Or cook on low for 8–10 minutes with a lid until warmed through and melty.

Notes

Dry spinach well to prevent a watery dip. Gently fold in crab to keep it intact. Assemble the dip up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.