Warm Cheesy Shrimp and Crab Dip

This dip disappears fast, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. Creamy shrimp and sweet lump crab get folded into a garlicky cream cheese base, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked until hot and bubbly. Scoop it up with crackers, toasted baguette, or veggies for an appetizer that never lasts long on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two kinds of seafood in one dip. Shrimp and crab both shine here, giving every scoop great texture and flavor.
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy. Cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mozzarella create an irresistibly smooth base.
• Great for parties. This dip is easy to make ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
• A little heat if you want it. Hot sauce is optional, so you can make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and checked for shells
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions, divided
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce, optional
• Salt, only if needed
• Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies, for serving

How to Make Warm Cheesy Shrimp and Crab Dip

1. Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie dish.

2. Make the creamy base. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce, if using, until smooth.

3. Fold in the seafood. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, lump crab, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the chives or green onions. Mix just until combined so the crab stays in nice pieces.

4. Fill the baking dish. Spread the shrimp and crab mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella evenly over the top.

5. Bake until bubbly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the seafood dip is hot in the center and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Broil for color. For a golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

7. Garnish and serve. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining chives or green onions. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies.

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Crab Dip

• Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing so the base blends smooth without lumps.
• Fold gently when adding the crab. Mixing too vigorously breaks up the lump pieces, so a light hand keeps that nice texture intact.
• Watch closely under the broiler. Cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye on it during that final step.
• Let it rest before serving. A short rest helps the dip set slightly so it’s easier to scoop.

What to Serve with Shrimp and Crab Dip

Crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips are all great options for scooping up this rich, cheesy dip.

Frequently Asked Questions