Total Time: 45 minutes
Active Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Serves 8-10 as an appetizer
Cuisine: American, Coastal
Category: Appetizer, Dip
A Note From Our Kitchen
There’s something magical about a hot, bubbly dip that brings people together. This Shrimp and Crab Spinach Dip is our luxurious take on a classic, blending sweet crab meat, tender shrimp, and vibrant spinach in a creamy, savory base. Inspired by the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay, it’s perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat. The contrast of the golden, cheesy top with the rich, flavorful center is utterly irresistible. Serve it straight from the oven with your favorite dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear in minutes.
Ingredients
Main Components
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup (4 oz) freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 cup (4 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1/2 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
5 oz fresh spinach, finely chopped (about 4 packed cups)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings & Aromatics
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco), optional
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
Baguette slices, toasted
Tortilla chips
Pita chips
Crackers
Vegetable crudités (like bell pepper strips, celery, carrot sticks)
Equipment Needed
10-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) or a 2-quart baking dish
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Sharp knife & cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the cream cheese to sit on the counter while you prep the other ingredients. This ensures a smooth, lump-free base. Grate your cheeses, chop the spinach, onion, garlic, and shrimp.
2. Sauté the Aromatics & Spinach (7-8 minutes)
In your oven-safe skillet or a separate sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until it’s completely wilted and any liquid has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Combine the Creamy Base (5 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a rubber spatula to mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Stir in 3/4 cup of the Monterey Jack and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese (reserving the rest for the top). Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, Old Bay, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Fold in the Seafood & Spinach Mixture (3 minutes)
Gently fold the lump crab meat and chopped shrimp into the creamy base. Be careful not to over-mix to keep nice chunks of crab intact. Finally, fold in the sautéed spinach and onion mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Assemble & Bake (25 minutes)
If you used a separate pan for the spinach, transfer the dip mixture to your greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish now. Spread it into an even layer. Top evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of each cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the top is a beautiful, golden brown.
6. Rest & Garnish (5 minutes)
Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly for easier dipping and prevents burnt mouths! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
Chef’s Tips for Success
Seafood Quality: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality crab meat (jumbo lump or lump) and raw shrimp. You can use thawed, frozen peeled shrimp in a pinch. Avoid imitation crab (surimi).
Cheese Matters: Always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dip (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Spinach Prep: Squeeze any excess moisture from the wilted spinach with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery dip.
Serving Suggestions
Place the hot skillet or baking dish on a trivet or heat-safe board in the center of your table. Surround it with an array of dippers. We love the crunch of a thinly sliced, toasted baguette alongside sturdy tortilla chips and crisp celery sticks for a refreshing contrast. This dip is rich, so a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a pale ale makes an excellent pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave at reduced power. For a larger amount, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
Nutrition Information
*Please note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes, calculated for one serving (about 1/4 cup of dip) without dippers.*
Servings: 10
Calories: ~290 kcal
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 18g