Name: Seafood Spinach Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488375H57M13S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup cooked crab meat (fresh or canned, drained); 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or use thawed frozen spinach, well-drained); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste

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This Seafood Spinach Dip is one of my favorite appetizers to whip up when I want something creamy, indulgent, and loaded with flavor. Packed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and melty cheese, this warm dip delivers rich seafood goodness in every bite. The addition of fresh spinach and a subtle kick from cayenne makes it well-balanced and totally irresistible. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or just craving something savory, this dip always hits the mark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how luxurious yet easy this recipe is. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a perfectly creamy base that holds up well to hearty seafood and fresh spinach. It’s warm, cheesy, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting. Best of all, it comes together in one bowl and bakes up beautifully golden in under 30 minutes. Perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or bread—or honestly, just eating with a spoon.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella until smooth.
I stir in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, and fresh spinach. Then I add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and season with salt and pepper.
I transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
I bake the dip for 25–30 minutes, until it’s hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
I serve it warm with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings and takes approximately 35 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 25–30 minutes to bake. It’s ideal as a party appetizer or snack to share.

Variations

I sometimes use a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a little extra flavor.
For more spice, I add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
I’ve made it with frozen spinach (thawed and drained well) when fresh isn’t available.
For a fancy touch, I top it with extra cheese and broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end for a bubbly crust.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover dip stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or I microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the texture changes when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used canned crab meat with great results. I just make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the mix.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Definitely. I mix everything together and store it in the fridge up to a day in advance. When I’m ready to serve, I just pop it in the oven.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

I’ve swapped shrimp for scallops, lobster, or even canned tuna in a pinch. It’s a flexible recipe that works with whatever seafood I have on hand.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I’ve made it using dairy-free cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and plant-based mozzarella. The result is still creamy and delicious.

What do I serve this dip with?

My go-to pairings are tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even crunchy raw veggies like bell peppers and celery sticks.

Conclusion

Seafood Spinach Dip is one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket for gatherings, holidays, or when I’m craving something warm and cheesy. It’s packed with flavor, quick to throw together, and always a hit with seafood lovers. Whether I’m scooping it up with chips or spreading it on toasted bread, it’s a creamy, savory delight that disappears fast.