Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe | Cheesy & Savory
I still remember the first time I made this Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe—the kitchen smelled amazing, and every guest went back for seconds. I had a little doubt if the seafood would overpower the spinach, but it blended beautifully.
The mozzarella bubbling on top was irresistible. Let me show you how to make this cozy, creamy favorite that always impresses. You can pair it with refreshing drinks like a Tropical Mojito Mocktail to complete the experience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and savory dip, along with why each ingredient matters:
- ½ lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined – Fresh is best for texture and flavor; tiny shrimp work great.
- ½ lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab) – Adds that seafood punch; opt for fresh/sustainably sourced if possible.
- 10 oz fresh spinach – Wilted and squeezed dry so the dip stays creamy (avoid frozen for best texture).
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates the rich and velvety base everyone loves. You can also enhance your dessert game with a treat like Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe after the meal.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds slight tang and lightens the cream cheese.
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Helps emulsify and give body to the dip.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – Freshly shredded melts smoother and gives that gooey top.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Sharp, salty flavor that balances the seafood.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- Optional: lemon zest / Old Bay seasoning – Brightens flavor and enhances seafood notes.
Note: serves 6–8 people
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious options:
- Dairy-free: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheese shreds.
- Extra heat: Add jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Crab-only: Use more crab if shrimp isn’t your favorite.
- Herb boost: Stir in fresh dill or chives for bright, green flavor.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this recipe takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Large skillet: For sautéing shrimp and spinach.
- Mixing bowl: To combine dip ingredients smoothly.
- Cheese grater: Fresh cheese melts best.
- 9×9 baking dish: Perfect for even baking and cheesy top.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients together.
How to Make Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe?
Start with a warm and flowing dip — the steps below make it simple.
Prepare the Seafood
Begin by sautéing your shrimp lightly in a warm pan. Cook just until they start to turn pink — you’ll finish them in the oven. Add crab meat at the end to warm through without falling apart.
Wilt the Spinach
In the same pan, toss in fresh spinach and a little garlic. Cook until wilted and fragrant, then squeeze out excess water using a colander or clean kitchen towel to avoid a watery dip.
Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella, then add salt, pepper, and any optional spices like lemon zest or Old Bay for that seafood zing.
Combine Everything
Gently fold in your cooked shrimp, crab, and drained spinach mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy base.
Bake Till Bubbly
Spoon the dip into your greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot, bubbling, and lightly golden on top — about 25 minutes. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are some personal tricks I use every time:
- I always grate mozzarella fresh — pre-shredded can be dry and doesn’t melt as nicely.
- If the spinach seems watery, I press it with paper towels — helps the dip stay thick.
- I add a little lemon zest at the end for a brightness that lifts the seafood flavors.
- Letting the baked dip rest before serving makes it easier to scoop and richer in taste.
How to Serve Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe?
Serve this dip warm from the oven with a vibrant presentation:
- Spoon into a shallow serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Surround it with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or warm pita chips.
- For a party, keep it in a mini slow cooker to stay hot all night.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Nutritional Information
A general breakdown per serving (approx.):
- Calories: ~220–280 per serving
- Protein: ~12–15g (seafood & cheese add muscle support)
- Carbohydrates: ~3–6g (mostly from dairy & spinach)
- Fat: ~18–22g (rich but satisfying)
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to keep your dip delicious longer:
Storing:
Once cool, cover the dip tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This is perfect for prepping before gatherings.
Freezing:
You can freeze this dip before baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating:
Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through — the cheese will re-melt beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dip isn’t just tasty — it’s unforgettable. Here’s why:
- Super Creamy: The rich cheese and creamy base make every bite indulgent.
- Seafood Twist: Shrimp and crab bring elegant flavor without fuss.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps, no fancy techniques — I love that part!
- Party Favorite: Always disappears quickly at gatherings.
- Versatile: Great with chips, bread, or even veggies.
Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by sautéing your shrimp lightly in a warm pan. Cook just until they start to turn pink — you’ll finish them in the oven. Add crab meat at the end to warm through without falling apart.
- In the same pan, toss in fresh spinach and a little garlic. Cook until wilted and fragrant, then squeeze out excess water using a colander or clean kitchen towel to avoid a watery dip.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella, then add salt, pepper, and any optional spices like lemon zest or Old Bay for that seafood zing.
- Gently fold in your cooked shrimp, crab, and drained spinach mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy base.
- Spoon the dip into your greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot, bubbling, and lightly golden on top — about 25 minutes. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- I always grate mozzarella fresh — pre-shredded can be dry and doesn’t melt as nicely.
- If the spinach seems watery, I press it with paper towels — helps the dip stay thick.
- I add a little lemon zest at the end for a brightness that lifts the seafood flavors.
- Letting the baked dip rest before serving makes it easier to scoop and richer in taste.