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Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Dip - A Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Seafood: 8 ounces lump crab meat (drained and picked over), 8 ounces small shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
  • Dairy: 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • Aromatics: 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small shallot (finely chopped, optional)
  • Seasonings: 1–1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional), kosher salt, black pepper
  • Fresh elements: Zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Butter and oil: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • For topping and serving: Extra parmesan for sprinkling, hot sauce (optional), baguette slices, sturdy crackers, celery sticks, cucumber rounds

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 1-quart capacity). Set the cream cheese on the counter to soften.
  2. Quick-cook the shrimp: Warm a skillet over medium heat with the butter and oil. Add the shallot and cook 2 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add the chopped shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Fold in sour cream and mayonnaise until blended. Add mozzarella, 1/3 cup parmesan, Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste and season with a little salt and pepper.
  4. Fold in seafood and herbs: Gently fold in the crab, cooked shrimp, green onions, and parsley or dill. Try not to break up the crab too much; you want nice flakes.
  5. Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into the baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with a light shower of extra parmesan for browning.
  6. Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbling at the edges and lightly golden on top. If you want deeper color, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
  7. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a kick. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies.