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Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip - Warm, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Seafood: 8 oz cooked shrimp (small, chopped), 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
  • Dairy: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Aromatics: 1 small shallot (finely minced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh elements: Zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Add-ins (optional): 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper or celery for crunch
  • Topping: 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs tossed with 1 tbsp melted butter (optional for extra crunch)
  • To serve: Crostini, crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1–1.5 quart baking dish or small skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shallot and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the base. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), black pepper, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add brightness. Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the herbs. This keeps the dip from tasting heavy.
  5. Stir in cheese. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan, reserving a small handful of each for topping.
  6. Fold in seafood. Gently fold in chopped shrimp and crab, along with the sautéed shallot and garlic. If using bell pepper or celery, add it now.
  7. Assemble. Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. If using panko, sprinkle it over the top after tossing with melted butter.
  8. Bake. Bake 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.
  9. Finish and serve. Sprinkle with remaining herbs. Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dippers.