Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
A rich, creamy, and indulgent dip perfect for gatherings. This recipe combines succulent shrimp and sweet crab with a trio of cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dip:
· 8 oz cream cheese, softened
· 1 cup mayonnaise
· 1/2 cup sour cream
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
· 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
· 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
· 8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped (thawed if frozen)
· 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
· Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
· 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
· 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
· Extra chopped parsley for garnish
For Serving:
· Baguette slices, crostini, crackers, or vegetable sticks
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. Make Base:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.
3. Add Flavors:
Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), green onions, and parsley.
4. Fold in Seafood:
Gently fold in chopped shrimp and crab meat, taking care not to break up crab lumps too much. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake:
Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Let cool 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley. Serve warm with baguette slices, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Tips:
· For extra flavor, sauté shrimp with a little garlic before chopping.
· Substitute imitation crab if needed, but real crab is preferred.
· Make ahead: assemble dip, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Enjoy this decadent dip straight from the oven – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!