Cheesy Seafood Bake: Shrimp & Crab
This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is a rich, indulgent appetizer with a coastal flair. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat, it’s a guaranteed show-stopper for parties, holidays, game days, or whenever you want something comforting yet elegant. This warm seafood dip blends savory flavors, velvety texture, and just the right hint of tang for a truly irresistible experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔ Rich, creamy, and cheesy
- ✔ Packed with real shrimp and crab meat
- ✔ Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- ✔ Perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in
- ✔ Can be prepped ahead of time
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Crab meat | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz (1 package) |
| Shredded cheese blend (Cheddar & Mozzarella) | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely diced | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Hot sauce | 1 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or small casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Fold in the Seafood
Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat. If the shrimp are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces so every scoop contains a little of everything.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Allow the dip to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm slightly and makes scooping easier. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or celery sticks.
Serving Suggestions
- Toasted baguette slices
- Buttery crackers or crostini
- Tortilla chips
- Celery or cucumber slices for a lighter option
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the sweetest flavor.
- Pat shrimp dry before adding to prevent excess liquid.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Add extra cheese on top before baking for a golden crust.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals.
- Do not freeze: Cream-based dips may separate after freezing.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip combines the richness of melted cheese, the tenderness of shrimp, and the sweetness of crab into one luxurious, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and elegance in every bite.