why make this recipe
This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is warm, rich, and easy. It mixes shrimp, crab, and soft cheeses for a hot dip that people love. If you like baked cheese dishes like Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, you will enjoy this dip too.
introduction
This dip cooks fast and tastes like a party. The cheese melts and gets golden on top. You can make it for a snack, game day, or a small dinner starter. Try it with bread, crackers, or chips. For another easy bake idea, see this simple bake.
how to make Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
- Cook the shrimp quickly in butter and garlic. Add spice, salt, and pepper. Mix in the crab meat.
- Mix the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, cheeses, lemon, parsley, and seasonings until smooth.
- Fold the shrimp and crab into the cheese mix.
- Put the mix into a small baking dish. Top with extra cheese and a little paprika.
- Bake at 190°C for 18–22 minutes until the top is bubbly and light brown.
- Serve hot with sliced baguette, crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.
Ingredients :
- 200 g shrimp (chopped small)
- 200 g crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
- 200 g cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Optional: 1/2 tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- Extra mozzarella + cheddar for topping
- Paprika or chili flakes for topping
Directions :
- Sauté the shrimp: Melt butter in a pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until just pink. Season with paprika, salt & pepper, then remove from heat and mix in crab meat.
- Make the cheesy base: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, and seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the shrimp-crab mixture into the cheesy base and mix gently but evenly.
- Bake: Spread into a small baking dish, top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika, and bake at 190°C for 18–22 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks.
how to serve Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Serve the dip hot so the cheese stays gooey. Place on a large plate with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips. Add celery or carrot sticks for a fresh touch. Put small spoons nearby so people can scoop easily.
how to store Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Cool the dip to room temperature. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C until hot, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Do not freeze cooked seafood dips — texture will change.
tips to make Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
- Chop shrimp small so each bite has shrimp.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Taste the mix before baking and adjust salt, lemon, or spice.
- For a richer top, add extra shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
- If you want a sweet contrast, try serving with items like Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries on the side for dessert.
- If using canned crab, drain well to avoid watery dip.
variation (if any)
- Make it with only shrimp or only crab if you prefer one.
- Add a small chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of cooked corn or red pepper for color and crunch.
- Use smoked salmon instead of crab for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them well. Pat dry before cooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Mix everything and keep covered in the fridge. Bake before serving. Bake time may be a few minutes longer from cold.
Q: Is this dip safe for kids?
A: Yes, if they do not have shellfish allergies. Keep spices mild for kids.
Q: Can I use low-fat cheeses?
A: You can, but the dip may be less creamy. Add a little extra sour cream if needed.
Q: What if I want more spice?
A: Add 1/2 tsp Cajun or a pinch of chili flakes to the mix and on top before baking.
Conclusion
For the original idea and another recipe version, see Shrimp and Crab Dip | A Farmgirl’s Dabbles.
Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until just pink.
- Season with paprika, salt & pepper, then remove from heat and mix in crab meat.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, and seasoning.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shrimp-crab mixture into the cheesy base and mix gently but evenly.
- Spread into a small baking dish, top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Bake at 190°C for 18–22 minutes until bubbly and golden.