Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella is the ultimate hot appetizer that brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen. Loaded with tender seafood, wilted spinach, rich cream cheese, and stretchy mozzarella, it’s the kind of indulgent, crowd-pleasing dip that disappears fast at any gathering. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh veggies, and watch it become the star of your party spread.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This dip takes the classic spinach and artichoke concept and levels it up with flaky crab meat, juicy shrimp, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s creamy, savory, and full of texture. The baked top adds that golden, bubbly crust that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining or craving something cozy for a night in, this dip brings flavor, elegance, and comfort in every scoop.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 6 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
- 6 oz lump crab meat (canned or fresh, drained)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Sauté the Spinach
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add spinach. Cook until wilted and moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the Dip Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Fold in the Seafood and Cheese
Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, sautéed spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Serve
Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Pair with crostini, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Trio: Mix in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for extra depth.
- Seafood Swap: Use scallops, crawfish tails, or canned salmon instead of shrimp/crab.
- Artichoke Addition: Stir in chopped marinated artichoke hearts for a classic twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Oven mitts
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cream-based dips can separate when thawed.
My Cooking Experience
I first made this seafood spinach dip for a family get-together, and it was gone before the main course was even served. The mix of creamy cheese, tender shrimp, and savory spinach hit all the right notes. I love how versatile it is—you can prep it ahead, bake just before serving, and easily swap ingredients based on what you have. It’s become a go-to for holidays and potlucks.
Conclusion
Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella is a rich, creamy, and irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress. Perfectly cheesy with bits of shrimp and crab in every bite, it’s an elegant twist on classic party dips. Whether served at a gathering or just as a treat-yourself snack, this dip brings the flavor and comfort you’re craving.
baked seafood spinach dip with mozzarella
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add spinach. Cook until wilted and moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, sautéed spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Pair with crostini, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
