Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, the Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip is a must-try. This seafood dip combines the rich flavors of shrimp and lump crab meat with a creamy base that makes it perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dip is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip
Ingredients:
Seafood:
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained well)
Creamy Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Flavor Builders:
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun spice blend)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Toppings (optional):
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
- If using raw shrimp, sauté in a little oil for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Let them cool, then chop.
- Drain the crab meat very well to avoid excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is creamy.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or chives and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot with crostini, crackers, slices of baguette, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
How to Serve Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip
This dip is best served warm. You can pair it with a variety of dippers such as crunchy crostini, crispy crackers, slices of fresh baguette, or even healthy veggie sticks. Set it on a platter surrounded by your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear as guests can’t resist coming back for more.
How to Store Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip
If you have any leftovers, allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave a portion at medium power until hot.
Tips to Make Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip
- Make sure to drain the crab meat well to keep the dip from becoming watery.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more Old Bay or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
- For a smoother dip, you can blend the creamy base ingredients in a food processor before mixing in the seafood and cheese.
Variation
You can switch up the seafood by using imitation crab meat or adding other seafood like scallops. For a more loaded dip, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze Shrimp and Crab Dip?
It’s best not to freeze the dip, as the cream cheese and seafood may change texture after being frozen.
What should I serve with this dip?
You can serve it with crostini, crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. Enjoy experimenting with different dippers!
Irresistible Shrimp and Crab Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A creamy seafood dip combining shrimp and crab meat, perfect for appetizers and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- If using raw shrimp, sauté in a little oil for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Let them cool, then chop.
- Drain the crab meat very well to avoid excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is creamy.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or chives and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot with crostini, crackers, slices of baguette, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
Notes
Make sure to drain the crab meat well to keep the dip from becoming watery. For a smoother dip, blend the creamy ingredients in a food processor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American