Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip

This dip is basically what would happen if your favorite spinach and artichoke dip met a bowl of crab bisque, had a fling with some buttery shrimp, and then jumped into a skillet of bubbling cheese. It’s decadent, savory, and has the perfect balance of seafood richness, creamy texture, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

I made this for a holiday gathering last year, and it instantly became the MVP of the snack table. People were literally scraping the skillet clean. Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want to impress guests without too much effort. Bonus: it’s all made in one skillet and bakes up beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Dip

• Creamy + cheesy: The ultimate comfort food appetizer.
• Loaded with seafood: Real crab meat and juicy shrimp in every bite.
• One-skillet recipe: Less mess, more flavor.
• Perfect for parties: Serve with bread, chips, or veggies—it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and reheat when ready.

Every bite is rich, garlicky, and packed with chunks of crab, shrimp, and creamy spinach. Warm it up, grab a chip, and prepare to fall in love.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories per serving: 280
• Protein: 16g | Carbs: 5g | Fat: 22g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Shrimp + crab: The stars of the show. Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, and good-quality lump or claw crab meat.
Spinach: Adds color and a little balance to the richness.
Cream cheese + sour cream + mayo: The creamy trio that makes the base luscious and tangy.
Mozzarella + Parmesan: Melty, salty, and packed with flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives it a savory kick; red pepper adds gentle heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the shrimp

• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped shrimp and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the spinach and garlic

• In the same skillet, add garlic and spinach.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts (or until moisture evaporates if using frozen).
• Turn off heat and let cool slightly.

4. Mix the creamy base

• In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Stir in the sautéed spinach, shrimp, and crab meat.
• Fold in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan.

5. Bake the dip

• Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet (or transfer to a small baking dish).
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
• Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want a slightly browned, bubbly crust.

6. Garnish and serve

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions or parsley.
• Serve hot with crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks.

How to Serve

• With toasted baguette slices or crostini.
• Alongside crackers or pita chips.
• With cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips for a low-carb option.
• As a filling for stuffed mushrooms or mini phyllo cups for party apps.
• Tucked into a warm tortilla or wrap—yes, it’s that good.

Extra Tips for Success

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can get rubbery if left too long.
• Check crab meat for shells before mixing it in.
• Drain your spinach well to avoid a watery dip.
• Add lemon juice last to keep the flavor bright and fresh.

Variations

• Add artichoke hearts for a crab-spinach-artichoke hybrid.
• Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for a Southern twist.
• Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Swap crab for canned tuna or shredded chicken for a different take.
• Go dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheese shreds.

Storage and Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F until bubbly again.
• Freeze: Freeze before baking if you want to make it ahead. Thaw overnight and bake when ready.

Special Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet or small baking dish: For easy oven-to-table presentation.
• Mixing bowl and spatula: For blending your dip base.
• Microplane: Optional, but great for zesting lemon or grating fresh Parmesan.

FAQ

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes! Just make sure it’s good quality and well-drained. Look for lump or claw meat.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the very end of cooking—just stir it in before baking so it doesn’t get tough.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until warm.

Is it spicy?
Only slightly, if you include the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out for a milder version.

Can I serve this cold?
It’s designed to be served hot and melty, but it’s still tasty at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is rich, creamy, and packed with bold seafood flavor. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast and keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a party, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, it’s a guaranteed win.

If you make it, I’d love to see how it turns out! Snap a photo and tag me—I’m always here for a bubbling dish of melty seafood dip.

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