Name: Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is a rich, savory seafood casserole packed with creamy cheese, succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s baked to bubbly, golden perfection and makes the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers. Whether I’m making it for a party, a family dinner, or a holiday spread, this dish always disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with seafood—what’s not to love? It’s super easy to throw together, and I can prep it ahead and bake it when I’m ready. The combo of shrimp and crab with melted cheese is rich and satisfying, and it works as a main dish, a hearty side, or even a dip for crusty bread or crackers. Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake

Ingredients

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

Cooked shrimp (chopped or small-size)
Lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
Cream cheese (softened)
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of choice)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
I stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat.
Next, I fold in the shrimp, crab meat, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella.
I spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish and top it with the remaining cheeses.
I bake it uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, I let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings as a main dish or 8–10 as a side or dip. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so I have it ready in about 40 minutes total.

Variations

I swap in cream of shrimp or cream of mushroom soup for a smoother, casserole-style texture.
For a spicy version, I mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
I sometimes add chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
If I want to make it a dip, I bake it in a shallow dish and serve it with baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts. I avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender and the cheese creamy. Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes, I’ve used it when I’m on a budget or can’t find real crab. It still tastes great and works well in the bake.

Should the shrimp be cooked before adding?

Absolutely. I use pre-cooked shrimp or sauté raw shrimp beforehand. This ensures they don’t release excess water into the bake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I mix everything together, cover it, and refrigerate. When I’m ready to bake, I top it with cheese and pop it in the oven.

What type of cheese works best?

I like a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and meltiness, but Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Parmesan can be great additions too.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the seafood and dairy may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored short-term in the fridge.

Conclusion

Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is a creamy, comforting seafood dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. I love how it brings bold flavor with minimal effort, and it’s always a hit at gatherings or dinner tables. With gooey cheese, savory seasoning, and tender seafood in every bite, this recipe is one I come back to again and again.