Seafood Dip (with Crab & Shrimp)

This seafood dip is packed with crab, shrimp, and a creamy, cheesy base that makes it the perfect party appetizer. Baked with cream cheese and Old Bay, it’s rich, warm, and always a hit at holiday gatherings.

If you love this hot crab dip recipe, try my Air Fryer Crab Cakes, Crab Brûlée Recipe, and Crab Cake Benedict next.

Jump to Recipe

Jump to:

• Crab Dip Appetizer
• WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?
• How to Make Seafood Dip
• To Make Ahead
• Storage
• Crab Dip Recipe Tips
• FAQs
• I hope you enjoy preparing this Crab Dip!
• Seafood Dip Recipe

Crab Dip Appetizer

Whenever I make this hot crab dip, I know it’s going to impress, whether it’s for game day or just a casual snack. It’s loaded with crab meat and shrimp, and honestly, it reminds me of a seafood take on creamy spinach dip.

Sometimes I wonder, is it crab dip? Is it shrimp dip? It’s really a mix of the best parts of all those dips, so I just call it seafood dip. However you label it, it’s rich, cheesy, and the kind of appetizer that disappears fast once it hits the table.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?

Ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese, create a smooth foundation for a rich and flavorful seafood dip.

Ingredients for the Best Crab Dip

1. Crab meat. The star of the dip adds sweet, tender bites that make this appetizer feel indulgent and special. I use claw meat for its sweet, delicate flavor, and slightly briny taste, but you can use lump crab meat if you prefer.
2. Shrimp. Chopped shrimp brings a hearty, meaty texture that balances out the crab and makes the dip even more filling.
3. Cream cheese. This is what makes the base so creamy and smooth, giving the dip its rich, velvety texture.
4. Mayonnaise. Adds extra creaminess and helps everything blend together while keeping the dip from feeling too heavy.
5. Cheese. A mix of melty cheeses makes the dip irresistibly gooey and cheesy once baked. It also helps create that golden, bubbly top layer.
6. Old Bay seasoning. This classic seasoning brings the signature seafood flavor, adding a savory, slightly spiced kick that pairs perfectly with crab and shrimp.
7. Garlic. Fresh garlic deepens the flavor and gives the dip a warm, savory base that ties everything together.
8. Green onions. These add a light, fresh bite and just enough sharpness to balance the richness of the cream cheese and cheese.

How to Make Seafood Dip

Prepare Ingredients

I begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and allowing the cream cheese to soften. Then I prep my veggies by chopping the spinach, dicing the onion and green onion.

Once the veggies are prepped, peel and devein the shrimp and roughly chop. Leave 1-2 pieces whole for garnish (this is optional). Now I combine all ingredients (except the crab, shrimp, garlic, and onion) into a medium-sized bowl and stir until well combined.

Parcook Shrimp

Once my small saute pan is heated to medium heat, saute the shrimp, onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. We are simply par cooking the shrimp, garlic and onion. The shrimp will not fully cook, but will continue to cook in the oven with the rest of the seafood dip.

Assemble Seafood Dip

Shortly after, combine the creamed spinach mixture with the crab, par-cooked shrimp, garlic, and onions and stir until combined. By the time this step occurs, the oven should be at temperature.

Then I quickly transfer the creamed spinach and shrimp mixture to an oven-safe bowl, top with additional cheese. (Topping with whole shrimp is optional, but it looks great!)

Bake Dip

Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through. Finally, after the dip has baked for twenty minutes and shrimp are cooked through, turn the oven to broil. Allow the crab dip to broil until golden and bubbly.

Now that the dip is cooked, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

To Make Ahead

Make seafood dip ahead by assembling it, covering with foil, and baking right before serving. For potlucks or travel, prepare it up to the baking step and finish cooking once you arrive. If that’s not possible, bake and broil at home, then keep it warm until ready to serve.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover crab dip in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. You can also eat it cold or at room temperature.

Crab Dip Recipe Tips

• Use canned crab meat for convenience. It’s easy to find, budget-friendly, and still gives the dip that rich seafood flavor without extra prep.
• Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces make sure every scoop of dip has a good mix of both crab and shrimp.
• Soften the cream cheese before mixing. This makes it easier to stir everything together into a smooth, creamy base.
• Season generously with Old Bay. The classic spice blend really brings out the seafood flavor and adds that familiar kick people love.
• Bake until golden and bubbly. That top layer of melted cheese is what makes the dip irresistible and perfect for serving at parties or holidays.
• Serve this spinach crab dip with hearty breads like Italian loaf sliced, naan or crackers. It also pairs perfectly with bubbly, check out my favorite here!

FAQs

What’s the best type of cheese to use?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar melts well and gives you that cheesy, gooey texture. Feel free to add Parmesan for a sharper bite.

Will this dip stay creamy after it cools?

It thickens a little as it sits, but reheating brings back the smooth, creamy texture. A quick warm-up in the oven or microwave does the trick.

Why did my seafood dip turn out watery?

This can happen if the shrimp wasn’t fully drained or if too much liquid from canned crab made its way into the mix. Pat the seafood dry with paper towels before adding it to the dip to keep the texture creamy and thick.

I hope you enjoy preparing this Crab Dip!

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