Shrimp & Crab Dip with Cheddar and Cajun Seasoning Recipe
This Shrimp & Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer featuring tender shrimp and lump crab meat blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses and spices. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for serving warm with pita chips, crusty bread, or your favorite dippers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb extra small shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail off)
- 6 ounces canned lump crab meat
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly spray a square or similarly sized casserole baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Seafood: Chop the peeled and deveined shrimp into small pieces. Use paper towels to press and remove any excess moisture from both shrimp and canned lump crab meat to avoid watery dip.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red bell pepper, sliced green onions, Cajun seasoning, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Seafood: Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat into the bowl and gently mix until the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, and the dip is piping hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional sliced green onions for freshness, and serve warm paired with pita chips, crusty bread, or your preferred dippers.
Notes
- To avoid a watery dip, make sure to thoroughly pat dry the shrimp and crab meat before mixing.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake shortly before serving.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Keywords: shrimp dip, crab dip, seafood appetizer, baked dip, creamy seafood dip, Cajun seasoning, party appetizers
