Cheesy Baked Shrimp and Crab Dip for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.

These additions cut through the richness of the cream cheese and highlight the sweetness of the crab and shrimp perfectly.

Experiment with different herbs for the garnish. While fresh chives are classic, finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley also provide a nice, bright flavor that balances the savory, creamy elements of the dip quite well.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Dip: Incorporate a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the cream cheese base for a bold, flavorful kick. The spices complement the sweetness of the crab and shrimp, adding a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the melted mozzarella.
• Garlic Herb Variation: Fold in two cloves of finely minced garlic and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley into the base. This aromatic addition enhances the overall savory profile, making the dip even more fragrant and delicious when it comes out of the oven.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because this dish contains seafood and dairy, cool leftovers for at most two hours before refrigerating to maintain food safety.

You can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply spread the mixture into your baking dish, top with the cheese, and bake as directed. This makes it an ideal choice for stress-free hosting.

Serving ideas

Serve this dip directly in the baking dish for a rustic, inviting presentation. Place the dish on a heat-safe trivet and surround it with a generous amount of toasted baguette slices.

Providing a small serving spoon alongside the dish helps guests serve themselves easily.

If you find the dip is cooling too quickly, you can place the baking dish on a warming tray or a preheated stone to keep it at the ideal temperature for a longer period.

This ensures that the last scoop is just as delicious and stretchy as the very first.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Baked Shrimp and Crab Dip for Easy Entertaining

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• fresh chives, chopped, for serving
• toasted baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Keep the shrimp and crab refrigerated until right before mixing, never leaving raw seafood at room temperature for more than 30 minutes. In a large bowl, quickly fold the cold chopped raw shrimp and lump crab meat into the softened cream cheese until thoroughly and evenly blended.
2. Spread the seafood mixture evenly into the ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Place the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Continue baking until the shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is fully cooked through.
3. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for at least five minutes before serving. This pause allows the dip to settle slightly, making it easier to scoop. Sprinkle the freshly chopped chives over the top and serve immediately alongside the toasted baguette slices while the dip is still warm and stretchy.

Contains: crustaceans, milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

4.2 g

Fat

20.8 g

Fiber

0.2 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.