Description

This Savory Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is a perfect appetizer for cozy gatherings, combining creamy cheeses, succulent shrimp, and delicate crab meat with a hint of spice. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dip is deliciously rich, flavorful, and easy to serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers, making it ideal for entertaining or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Seafood

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

Dairy & Cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Aromatics

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions or chives, chopped (divided)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Serving

Toasted baguette slices or crackers

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Instructions

Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy to create a flavorful base for the dip.
Add Seafood: Gently fold in the chopped cooked shrimp, drained lump crab meat, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped chives or green onions. This ensures even distribution of seafood and flavors throughout the dip.
Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and has developed a golden-brown crust on top.
Broil: For an extra golden and slightly crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with the remaining fresh chives, and serve warm with toasted baguette slices or your choice of crackers and fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

This dip can be prepared up to a day in advance; simply cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and warmth.
Omit hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
Ensure the crab meat is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
Use fresh garlic and quality cheeses for optimal flavor.
To make it gluten-free, serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies instead of baguette slices.