Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe

Dive into a deliciously creamy and savory Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella, a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a special treat. This luxurious dip combines the richness of seafood, fresh spinach, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a creamy base to create a warm, bubbling dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

This recipe guide provides step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, variations, storage tips, and serving suggestions for crafting the perfect baked seafood spinach dip. Get ready to impress your guests with this indulgent appetizer!

Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella is the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh seafood, nutrient-packed spinach, and creamy cheeses brings a unique twist to the classic spinach dip, adding an extra layer of indulgence. This dip is best enjoyed warm from the oven, where the mozzarella melts perfectly, creating a stringy, gooey top layer.

Whether you’re planning for a game day appetizer, a festive holiday spread, or a romantic dinner for two, this seafood spinach dip fits the bill. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy with family and friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Preparing the Seafood

1. Fresh Seafood: If using fresh seafood, ensure it’s cooked and properly cleaned. For shrimp, peel, devein, and chop into small pieces.
2. Canned Seafood: If using canned crab meat, drain well to remove excess liquid. Check for any residual shell pieces.

Preparing the Spinach

1. Fresh Spinach: Wash thoroughly, remove any tough stems, and chop roughly.
2. Cooking the Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter. Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
3. Draining Excess Liquid: Press the spinach gently with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. This helps prevent a watery dip.

2. Assembling the Dip

Mixing the Creamy Base

1. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.

Adding Seasonings and Flavorings

1. Add the minced garlic, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Mix everything until fully incorporated. The seasonings should be evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Combining the Seafood and Spinach

1. Gently fold in the seafood and cooked spinach, being careful not to break up any large chunks of seafood.
2. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, and the mixture has a uniform consistency.

3. Baking the Dip

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8-inch round dish to prevent sticking.
3. Spread the Dip: Pour the prepared dip mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Broil for Extra Browning: For an extra crispy top, switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella is best served hot and bubbly right out of the oven. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• With Bread: Toasted baguette slices or sourdough are perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.
• Crackers: Serve with assorted crackers, like butter crackers or whole-grain options.
• Vegetables: Offer a selection of fresh-cut veggies, like bell peppers, cucumber, celery, and carrots, for a lighter pairing.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a great contrast to the creamy dip.
• As a Topping: Use the dip as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for stuffed mushrooms.

Recipe Variations

This versatile dip can be adjusted to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas for customizing your dip:

1. Different Seafood Options: Swap out crab for lobster, scallops, or even canned salmon.
2. Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped artichokes or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.
3. Add Heat: Increase the spice with diced jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Cheese Variations: Substitute mozzarella with Gruyère or fontina for a different flavor profile.
5. Lightened Up Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese to make a lighter version of the dip.

Cooking Tips

• Drain Ingredients Well: Make sure all ingredients, especially spinach and seafood, are well-drained to prevent a watery dip.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Broiling for Extra Texture: Broil the dip for the last few minutes of baking for a nicely browned, bubbly top layer.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a better texture and flavor compared to frozen, but frozen spinach can be a good alternative if properly drained.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dip in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella is a luxurious, flavorful appetizer that combines the creaminess of cheese and sour cream, the earthiness of spinach, and the rich taste of seafood into one fantastic dish. This dip is perfect for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and delicious appetizer.

The beauty of this dip lies in its versatility. It’s easy to customize based on the ingredients you have on hand, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Whether you’re dipping in a crusty baguette slice or a fresh vegetable, each bite is a savory delight.

Enjoy this seafood spinach dip at your next gathering—it’s sure to be a hit!

Yield: 8

Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe

Print

Dive into a deliciously creamy and savory Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella, a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a special treat. This luxurious dip combines the richness of seafood, fresh spinach, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a creamy base to create a warm, bubbling dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 pound crab meat, picked over for shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
   
2. Cook the Seafood:
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Dip Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
   Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
   
4. Add Seafood and Spinach:
   Fold in the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and chopped spinach, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
   
5. Assemble in Baking Dish:
   Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
   
7. Add Toppings and Serve:
   Remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden (watch closely to avoid burning).
   Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips.

Notes

• Seafood Variations: Feel free to use other seafood like lobster, scallops, or even canned crab if fresh isn’t available.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dip mixture in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if chilled.
• Serving Tips: This dip also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for mini puff pastry cups for a party appetizer twist.