Name: Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: Cream cheese – 200 g; Sour cream – ½ cup. Adds tanginess and keeps the dip light instead of overly heavy.; Fresh spinach – 150 g; Cooked seafood mix – 200 g; Mozzarella cheese – 1½ cups (freshly grated. Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and gives that irresistible cheese pull.); Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup (grated. Adds a nutty, savory note that balances the creaminess.); Garlic – 2 cloves (minced. Fresh garlic gives a more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.); Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon. Brightens the dip and enhances the seafood flavor.; Olive oil – 1 tablespoon. Used to lightly sauté the spinach and garlic for better flavor.; Salt – ½ teaspoon (or to taste. Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.); Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon. Adds gentle warmth and balance.; Red chili flakes – optional (¼ teaspoon. Perfect if you like a subtle kick of heat.)

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I still remember pulling this Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe out of the oven and thinking, This smells like something from a seaside restaurant. When I made it the first time, I wanted a warm, comforting appetizer that felt special but didn’t require complicated steps.

As I dipped my cracker into that creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled goodness, I knew it was a keeper. The combination of tender seafood, rich cheese, and spinach felt indulgent but balanced. Now, it’s one of those recipes I love sharing whenever I want to impress without stress. You can also enjoy similar comforting flavors with the Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Recipe for a hearty main course.

Ingredients Section

Here’s a closer look at what goes into this recipe and why each ingredient matters. Using good-quality ingredients really elevates the final dip.

Cream cheese – 200 g, softened. This forms the creamy base of the dip. Letting it soften at room temperature helps it blend smoothly without lumps.
Sour cream – ½ cup. Adds tanginess and keeps the dip light instead of overly heavy.
Fresh spinach – 150 g, finely chopped. Fresh spinach gives better texture and color; frozen spinach can release too much water and make the dip runny.
Cooked seafood mix – 200 g (shrimp, crab, or white fish). A mixed seafood blend gives depth of flavor; make sure it’s well-drained.
Mozzarella cheese – 1½ cups, freshly grated. Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and gives that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated. Adds a nutty, savory note that balances the creaminess.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic gives a more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon. Brightens the dip and enhances the seafood flavor.
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon. Used to lightly sauté the spinach and garlic for better flavor.
Salt – ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon. Adds gentle warmth and balance.
Red chili flakes – optional, ¼ teaspoon. Perfect if you like a subtle kick of heat.

Note: This ingredient quantity makes approximately 6 servings.

Variations

This baked seafood spinach dip with mozzarella is flexible and easy to customize. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mozzarella shreds that melt well. If you want a richer seafood flavor, try adding smoked salmon or scallops.

For extra herbs, a little fresh dill or parsley works beautifully with seafood. You can also make it slightly spicy by mixing in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a lighter dip, replace half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can pair it with other creamy chicken dishes like the Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe for a full, indulgent spread.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown so you can plan ahead easily.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowl – for combining all the creamy dip ingredients smoothly
Frying pan – to lightly cook spinach and garlic before mixing
Grater – for freshly grating mozzarella and parmesan
Baking dish – to bake the dip evenly and serve straight from the oven
Spoon or spatula – for mixing and spreading the dip

How to Make Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple steps, making it ideal even for beginners.

Prepare the Spinach and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. I sauté it just until fragrant, then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. This step removes excess moisture and deepens the flavor.

Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, I combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy foundation that holds all the ingredients together beautifully.

Add Seafood and Seasoning

Next, I gently fold in the cooked seafood mix, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mixing gently keeps the seafood pieces intact and tender.

Incorporate Cheeses and Spinach

I stir in half of the mozzarella, all of the parmesan, and the cooked spinach mixture. This ensures every scoop has cheese, seafood, and greens evenly distributed.

Bake the Dip

I spread the mixture into a baking dish and top it with the remaining mozzarella. Baking at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes makes it bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, I let the dip rest for a few minutes. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dip several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really improve the final result.

I always drain the seafood thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the dip.
Letting the cream cheese soften fully makes mixing effortless and smooth.
I sometimes add a pinch of lemon zest for extra freshness.
Baking the dip uncovered gives the top a lovely golden finish.
I taste and adjust seasoning before baking, which makes a big difference.

How to Serve Baked Seafood Spinach Dip with Mozzarella Recipe?

This dip looks and tastes best served warm, straight from the baking dish. I love pairing it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips. For a lighter option, fresh vegetable sticks like celery or bell peppers work well. Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a few chili flakes for color. Serving it in a rustic ceramic dish also adds to the visual appeal.

Nutritional Information

This baked seafood spinach dip with mozzarella is indulgent yet satisfying. Approximate values per serving include:

Calories: Around 280 kcal
Protein: About 18 g, thanks to seafood and cheese
Carbohydrates: Roughly 8 g
Fat: Around 20 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

I often prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When needed, I just add the cheese topping and bake it fresh.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly overnight.

Freezing and Reheating

You can freeze the unbaked dip for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. To reheat leftovers, warm in the oven until heated through, avoiding the microwave if possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen.

It’s easy to prepare with simple steps and no fancy techniques.
The combination of seafood, spinach, and mozzarella is rich yet balanced.
It’s versatile and works as a party appetizer or cozy snack.
You can customize flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.
It feels restaurant-quality but is completely homemade and comforting.

This baked seafood spinach dip with mozzarella recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together, and every bite feels warm, creamy, and satisfying.

Ash Tyrrell