Dessert

Cheesy Shrimp Crab Bake Dip Recipe

ByRita Bennet January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

This Cheesy Shrimp Crab Bake Dip is a rich and indulgent appetizer perfect for seafood lovers. Creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh shrimp and crab, it makes a crowd-pleasing snack or party starter. Serve it warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious bite every time.

A white bowl filled with a creamy, melted cheese layer that is golden brown in spots on top, covering a thick mix. On top of the cheese layer, there are pink and white shrimp lightly sprinkled with green chopped herbs and a bit of seasoning. A piece of toasted bread with a dark golden brown, crispy texture is placed upright, partially dipped into the cheesy mixture. In the background, there is a ring of toasted bread slices with a similar golden brown, crispy look, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup lump crab meat, drained

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions or chives, chopped
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
Sliced toasted baguette or crackers for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce if using. Whip together until smooth to create a creamy base.
Step 2: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and half the chopped chives or green onions, being careful to maintain some texture.
Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Step 5: For an extra golden crust, broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining chives or green onions. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

Substitute crab meat with cooked lobster or additional shrimp for a different seafood twist.
Use smoked paprika instead of Old Bay for a smoky flavor.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dip before baking.

For extra richness, mix in ¼ cup mayonnaise with the cream cheese base.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. It may thicken when refrigerated, so stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with baked shrimp dip topped with melted, golden brown cheese and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Plump, orange-pink shrimp with light seasoning are scattered on top, nestled in the creamy cheese layer. Around the bowl on a wooden board are several slices of toasted bread, golden-brown with a crunchy texture and small green herb bits on top. One slice is dipped into the dip, showing a glossy, cheese-coated surface. The whole setting is on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving for the best fresh taste and texture.

What can I serve with this seafood bake dip?

It pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers for dipping.

Rita Bennet