Go Back

Warm Cheesy Shrimp and Crab Dip

This warm cheesy shrimp and crab dip combines tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Baked until hot and bubbly, it is an easy seafood appetizer perfect for serving with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and checked for shells
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chives or green onions, chopped and divided
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce, optional
  • Salt, only if needed
  • Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetables, for serving

Equipment

  • Small baking dish or pie dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula or large spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie dish.
  2. 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. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, lump crab, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the chives or green onions. Mix just until combined so the crab stays in larger pieces.
  4. Spread the shrimp and crab mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the seafood dip is hot in the center and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. For a golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining chives or green onions. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetables.

Notes

Fold in the seafood gently so the lump crab stays in larger pieces.
Use softened cream cheese so the creamy base mixes smoothly without lumps.
Broil for only 1 to 2 minutes and watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and is easier to scoop.
The hot sauce is optional and may be adjusted to taste.
Add salt only if needed because the seafood, cheeses, and Old Bay seasoning already contribute saltiness.