Name: Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: For the shrimp:; 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder or paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; For the mango salsa:; 1 cup fresh mango, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, minced (optional); 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt to taste; For the bowl base and toppings:; 2 cups cooked rice or mixed greens; 1 avocado, sliced or cubed; Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is a rich, creamy, oven-baked appetizer that’s absolutely loaded with flavor. It’s filled with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, melty cheeses, and savory seasonings—baked until golden and bubbling. Whether I’m hosting a party, game day, or just having a cozy night in, this dip is always the first thing to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how indulgent and satisfying this dip is. It’s super easy to mix together and throw in the oven, but tastes like something straight out of a restaurant. The combination of crab and shrimp adds great texture and flavor, and the cheese makes it irresistibly gooey. I usually serve it with crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices—and honestly, sometimes I eat it straight with a spoon. Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked shrimp, chopped
Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
Cream cheese, softened
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Old Bay seasoning
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
In a large bowl, I mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce if using.
I stir in the shrimp, crab meat, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella.
I spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
I garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot with toasted bread, crackers, or chips.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 appetizer servings. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in around 35–40 minutes total.

Variations

I add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.
Sometimes I use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack for a different flavor.
I’ve stirred in spinach or artichokes for a seafood-spin on classic dips.
I swap the crab for all shrimp if that’s what I have on hand.

storage/reheating

I store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly again, or microwave smaller portions. I don’t recommend freezing, since the texture may change. Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, I just drain it well and check for any small shell pieces. It works great in this recipe and keeps it budget-friendly.

Do I need to cook the shrimp beforehand?

Yes, the shrimp should be fully cooked before mixing into the dip. I usually sauté or boil them quickly, then chop and cool.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the dip and store it in the fridge unbaked. When I’m ready to serve, I pop it in the oven and bake fresh.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I love it with toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, tortilla chips, or even fresh veggies like celery and bell peppers.

Is this dip spicy?

It’s mild by default, but I can make it spicy by adding hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or spicy cheese blends.

Conclusion

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip is the ultimate party appetizer—rich, creamy, and packed with seafood goodness. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether I’m serving it to guests or keeping it all to myself, this dip always brings bold flavor and cozy comfort to the table.

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Shrimp Avocado Mango Salsa Bowls are vibrant and refreshing bowls made with tender shrimp, sweet mango salsa, creamy avocado, and a base of rice or greens. Perfectly seasoned and bursting with color and flavor, they’re ideal for light lunches or dinners that are easy, healthy, and satisfying.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

- For the shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste

- For the mango salsa:
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste

For the bowl base and toppings:
2 cups cooked rice or mixed greens
1 avocado, sliced or cubed
Lime wedges, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa. Set aside to let flavors blend.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
To assemble, layer cooked rice or greens in bowls, then top with cooked shrimp, mango salsa, and avocado.
Finish with a squeeze of lime and serve immediately.