Introduction

Remember those cozy evenings with friends, the smell of something amazing wafting from the kitchen, and a warm, bubbly dip that disappeared way too fast? This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is exactly that – a recipe that brings back those cherished memories and creates new ones. It’s ridiculously easy, surprisingly quick, and guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Get ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to serving!
Easy: Minimal chopping, mostly just mixing and baking.
Giftable: Package it up with some crackers for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Crowd-pleasing: Who can resist warm, cheesy seafood goodness?

Ingredients

Gather ’round, bakers! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dip. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff, and I’ll give you some pointers along the way!

1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Make sure they’re cooked and peeled! I like to give them a rough chop so you get bits of shrimp in every bite.
1 cup lump crab meat, drained: Good quality crab meat makes a difference here. Drain it well to avoid a watery dip.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is key for a super smooth and creamy base. Let it sit on the counter for about an hour, or give it a quick zap in the microwave (carefully!).
½ cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible cheesy pull.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is best for that punch of flavor.
2 green onions or chives, chopped: Adds a fresh, oniony bite. Chives are a bit milder if you prefer.
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning): This is the secret sauce! It brings a beautiful warmth and complexity.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors.
Optional: ½ tsp hot sauce: For a little kick! Add more or less depending on your heat preference.

How to Make It

Alright, apron on, let’s get this party started! This recipe is so simple, you’ll be making it on repeat.

Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven humming at 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip bakes up perfectly golden and bubbly.
Creamy Base: Grab a big bowl. Toss in your softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix them together with a spoon or spatula until they’re perfectly smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
Add the Good Stuff: Now, time for the stars of the show! Stir in your chopped shrimp, drained lump crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions (or chives), and that magical Old Bay seasoning.
Spice it Up (Optional): If you’re feeling a little adventurous, now’s the time to add that hot sauce. Just a little swirl to give it some warmth!
Season to Perfection: Give everything a good stir and then taste it. Add a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper to make all those flavors pop. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Baking Dish Time: Pour that glorious mixture into your favorite baking dish. I like to use a small-ish casserole dish, but any oven-safe dish will do.
Bake Until Bubbly: Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a dip that’s all bubbly around the edges and has a lovely, light golden brown hue on top.
Serve and Devour: Ding! Time to take it out. Let it cool for just a couple of minutes (it’ll be super hot!) and then serve it warm with slices of toasted baguette, your favorite crackers, or even some veggie sticks. Enjoy the ooohs and aaahs!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play around! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Shrimp Swap: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can absolutely leave it out or double up on the crab!
Veggie Boost: Add some finely diced bell peppers (red or green are great!), a little chopped celery for crunch, or even some sweet corn kernels.
Spice Level: Craving more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Herb Power: Fresh parsley or dill stirred in at the end can add a lovely fresh note.
Cheesy Variations: Feel free to swap out some of the mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a good quality Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to ensure your dip turns out perfectly every time!

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: I can’t stress this enough! Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free base.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it towards the end. You want it bubbly and golden, not dry and crusty.
Prep Ahead: You can totally assemble the dip (steps 1-5) a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Dish Choice: A shallower dish will help the dip bake up more evenly and get that nice golden top.

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dip is still delicious the next day.

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at around 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Got a burning question? I’ve got you covered!

Q: Can I use imitation crab meat?
A: Yes, you can! If you do, make sure to drain it very well. It won’t have the same texture or flavor as real crab, but it will still be delicious!

Q: What should I serve with this dip?
A: The classic pairings are toasted baguette slices and your favorite crackers. For a healthier option, try raw veggie sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumber.

Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just let it sit out for a bit before baking or add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is this dip spicy?
A: It has a mild warmth from the Old Bay seasoning, but if you want it spicier, definitely add the hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip

A ridiculously easy, surprisingly quick, and crowd-pleasing cheesy shrimp and crab dip that's perfect for gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Servings 8

Equipment

Oven Preheated to 375°F (190°C)
Mixing bowl Large
Spoon or spatula
Baking dish Oven-safe, small-ish casserole dish recommended

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 cup cooked shrimp chopped, cooked and peeled
1 cup lump crab meat drained
8 oz cream cheese softened
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
2 green onions or chives chopped
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
salt and black pepper to taste
0.5 tsp hot sauce optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the chopped shrimp, drained lump crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions (or chives), and Old Bay seasoning.
If using, stir in the hot sauce.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and lightly golden brown on top.
Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or veggie sticks.

Notes

This recipe is fast, easy, giftable, and crowd-pleasing. You can prep this dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For a healthier option, serve with raw veggie sticks.