By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 12, 2023 | Last Updated on October 12, 2023
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a popular restaurant chain known for its delicious, fresh seafood dishes. One of their standout appetizers is the Crab and Spinach Dip, which combines succulent shrimp and crab with creamy cheeses and sautéed spinach in a delectable baked dip.
This dish has become a fan favorite for its rich flavors and irresistible texture. With these step-by-step instructions, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own home and impress your family and friends with a taste of Pappadeaux’s signature flavors.
What is Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip?
Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip is a mouth-watering appetizer that combines the freshest seafood with creamy cheeses and sautéed spinach.
This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of shrimp, crab, and spinach makes for a delicious and nutritious dip that will leave you wanting more.
Originating from the famous Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, this dip has become a staple in their menu and is loved by many for its delicious taste and indulgent ingredients.
Why You’ll Love this Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip?
There are many reasons to love this Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. But the real reason you’ll fall in love with this dip is its irresistible flavor.
The combination of succulent shrimp and crab, creamy cheeses, and sautéed spinach creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a party with friends.
You’ll also like the following Dinner recipes!
- How To Cook Sam’s Choice Boneless Spiral
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Copycat Rice Casserole
- Applebees Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: This recipe calls for 2 pounds of large shrimp, which will provide a delicious seafood flavor to the dip.
- Red pepper flakes: These add a touch of spice to the dish and can be adjusted according to your preference.
- Crab meat: The star ingredient of this dip, crab meat adds a rich and savory taste to the dish. You can use fresh or canned crab meat depending on availability.
- Lemon: The juice of 2 lemons adds a tangy and acidic element to balance out the flavors of the dip.
- Fresh parsley: This herb is used for garnish and adds a pop of color to the dish. It also has a fresh and subtle flavor that complements the seafood.
- Salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and cajun seasoning: These spices are used to season the dish and bring out its flavors. Adjust them according to your taste preference.
- Half and half: This is a mix of cream and milk, which adds a creamy texture to the dip.
- Fresh spinach: A must-have ingredient for this recipe, fresh spinach provides essential nutrients and adds a delicious earthy flavor to the dip.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: This adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dip. You can use any type of shredded cheese according to your preference.
- Cream cheese: Another essential ingredient for a creamy and smooth texture, cream cheese brings all the flavors together in this recipe.
- Bouillon chicken base: This concentrated paste is used to add depth and complexity to the dip’s flavors.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the onions and creating a roux for thickening the dip’s consistency.
- Flour: This is used with butter to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent in this recipe.
- Shredded mozzarella: This cheese adds a gooey and stringy texture to the dish, making it even more irresistible.
- Diced yellow onion: Sautéed onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, balancing out the seafood’s richness.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Shrimp and Crab
- Peel and devein 2 pounds of large shrimp, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain excess liquid from 16 ounces of crab meat and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cajun seasoning.
- Marinate the shrimp in this mixture for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2
Sauté the Spinach
- Wash and dry 20 ounces of fresh spinach leaves.
- In a large pot or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add half of the spinach to the pot and stir until it begins to wilt.
- Add the remaining spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook until completely wilted.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3
Make the Roux
- In a separate pan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and stir until it forms a paste.
- Cook for another minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Step 4
Add the Half and Half and Cheeses
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of half and half while continuously stirring.
- Add 4 cups of shredded parmesan cheese, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons of bouillon chicken base into the pan.
- Stir until everything is fully melted and combined.
Step 5
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, shrimp, and crab mixture, and the cheese sauce.
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
- Top with 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6
Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Squeeze the juice of another lemon over the dish and top with fresh parsley.
- Serve the Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip.
Tips
- For an extra kick of heat, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dip.
- To make a larger batch, double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish.
- Serve the dip with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
How to store Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving, adding additional cheese on top if desired.
You can also freeze the dip for up to 3 months, but it may lose some texture when thawed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
What other substitute can I use in Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip?
- If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can substitute the shrimp and crab for chicken or leave them out entirely.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, substitute the shrimp and crab for your choice of vegetables such as mushrooms, artichokes, or bell peppers.
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain it before sautéing.
- If you don’t have half and half, you can use a mix of heavy cream and milk in equal parts.
Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb large shrimp
- Red pepper flakes
- 16 oz crab meat
- 2 lemon
- Fresh parsley
- salt pepper, garlic, onion powder, cajun seasoning (to taste)
- 4 cups half and half
- 20 oz fresh spinach
- 4 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp bouillon chicken base
- 6 tbsps butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 diced yellow onion
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and deveining 2 pounds of large shrimp, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess liquid from 16 ounces of crab meat and set it aside for later use. In a small bowl, mix together the juice of one lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cajun seasoning. Let the shrimp marinate in this flavorful mixture for 15 minutes while you move on to the next step.
- Next up, it’s time to sauté the fresh spinach leaves. Start by washing and drying 20 ounces of spinach thoroughly. In a large pot or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add half of the spinach and stir till it starts to wilt. Continue adding the remaining spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go, until all of it has been cooked down. Once done, remove from heat and set aside for later use.
- In a separate pan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and cook until it softens, which should take about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and stir until it forms a paste. Cook for an additional minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Now it’s time to add the creamy elements to our dip! Slowly pour in 4 cups of half and half while continuously stirring. Then, add 4 cups of shredded parmesan cheese, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons of bouillon chicken base to the pan. Keep stirring until everything has melted and combined into a smooth and velvety texture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble the dip. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, marinated shrimp and crab mixture, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Transfer this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish and top it off with 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and oh-so-delicious looking. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, squeeze the juice of another lemon over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dip.
- To make a larger batch, double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish.
- Serve the dip with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of shredded cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, it is not. However, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the dip to a slow cooker instead of baking it if desired. Cook on high for 1-2 hours or until fully heated through and bubbly.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading and trying out this delicious Pappadeaux Crab and Spinach Dip recipe. With its creamy texture, flavorful seafood, and nutritious spinach, it’s the perfect appetizer or party dish that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with different ingredients and spices.
Feel free to share this article with your family and friends, and don’t forget to leave us a comment below with your thoughts and any modifications you made. We would love to hear from you!
You’ll also like the latest recipes!
- Pizza Hut Wing Sauce Copycat Recipe
- Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette
- How to Make Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden Recipe
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
