Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Dip
Creamy, indulgent, and packed with seafood, this Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s rich without being heavy, layered with flavor from Creole seasoning, and finished with a bubbly, golden cheese topping—perfect for entertaining, holidays, or game-day spreads.
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 8” x 8” baking dish
- 1 Large non-stick skillet
- 1 Handheld electric mixer or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup white onion, finely diced
- 1 pc garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp creole or Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 pack cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup shaved or finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8” x 8” baking dish.
- Set aside 3 whole shrimp (leave tails on if desired for garnish). Chop the remaining shrimp into bite-size pieces (about 3–4 pieces per shrimp).
- Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add onion, garlic, and chopped shrimp. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp begin to turn pink (they will finish cooking in the oven).(If you prefer fully cooked garnish shrimp, return the 3 whole shrimp to the pan and cook an additional 1–2 minutes, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth using a wooden spoon or handheld mixer.
- Stir in remaining Creole seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, cooked shrimp mixture, green bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the mozzarella.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly throughout.
- Garnish with the reserved whole shrimp (optional) and serve warm.