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Shrimp & Crab Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

This creamy Shrimp & Crab Dip combines tender chunks of fresh snow crab meat and succulent shrimp with a rich blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. Seasoned with garlic, Old Bay, and lemon zest, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden Parmesan crust, it’s the perfect savory appetizer served hot alongside crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 8 ounces cooked fresh snow crab meat, chopped into ½” pieces
  • 8 ounces cooked medium shrimp, tails removed, chopped into ¼” pieces

Dairy & Cream Base

  • 8 ounces regular cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup good quality mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup regular sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Flavorings

  • ¼ cup chopped green onion
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

  • Sliced green onion
  • Chopped Roma tomato

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Seafood: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Press the crab and shrimp between paper towels repeatedly to remove as much excess moisture as possible, ensuring the dip will not become watery.
  2. Mix Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese (½ cup), chopped green onion, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon zest. Mix these ingredients well to infuse the dip with flavor.
  4. Fold in Seafood: Gently fold in the chopped crab and shrimp ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture without breaking them down.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top to create a flavorful crust.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is browned and slightly crisped.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onion and chopped Roma tomato on top for freshness and color. Serve hot with crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, celery, and/or carrots.

Notes

  • Removing excess moisture from the crab and shrimp is crucial to prevent a watery dip.
  • This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before baking.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Old Bay seasoning.
  • Substitute regular cream cheese with a lower-fat version for a lighter dip, but it may affect creaminess.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor rather than bottled lemon extract.

Keywords: shrimp dip, crab dip, seafood dip, creamy appetizer, baked dip, Old Bay seasoning dip, party appetizers, crab and shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/shrimp-and-crab-dip-recipe/