Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip (Creamy, Rich & Crowd-Pleasing)
Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is a warm, indulgent appetizer that brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a creamy cheese base baked until bubbly and golden. It’s rich without being heavy, full of seafood flavor, and perfect for parties, game days, holidays, or anytime you want something impressive yet easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
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Loaded with real shrimp and crab
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Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned
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Easy oven-baked recipe
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Ideal for entertaining
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Pairs with bread, crackers, or veggies
Ingredients for Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Seafood
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½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
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½ lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Cheese & Cream Base
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup sour cream
Seasonings & Flavor
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Topping (Optional but Recommended)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Medium skillet
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Mixing bowl
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Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
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Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Seafood
Fold in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Gently stir in cooked shrimp and crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
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With toasted baguette slices
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Served alongside crackers or pita chips
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With tortilla chips
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Paired with celery sticks or bell pepper strips
Helpful Tips for Best Results
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Use lump crab meat for the best texture
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Do not overcook shrimp before baking
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Bring cream cheese to room temperature
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Taste and adjust seasoning before baking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing crab meat
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Using pre-cooked shrimp (can become rubbery)
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Baking too long, which dries out the dip
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Skipping the resting time
Flavor Variations
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Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
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Garlic Butter Twist: Drizzle melted garlic butter on top before baking
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Extra Cheesy: Add Gruyère or Monterey Jack
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Herb-Forward: Add fresh dill or chives
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
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Reheat in oven at 325°F until warm
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Microwave in short intervals, stirring between
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 340
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Can I use canned crab?
Yes, but drain well and gently fold it in.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is rich, comforting, and full of seafood flavor in every bite. Warm, bubbly, and loaded with cheese, it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast and has everyone asking for the recipe.
🦐🦀 Serve it once, and it becomes a favorite.
