Description
This creamy and flavorful Shrimp Crab Dip combines tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a blend of cheeses seasoned with Cajun spices and lemon zest. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect appetizer for gatherings and parties, offering a rich and tangy seafood delight that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb extra small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz canned lump crab meat
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
Produce & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced, plus extra for topping
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, which forms the rich base of your dip.
- Add Seafood and Vegetables: Gently fold in the peeled and deveined shrimp, lump crab meat, finely chopped red bell pepper, and sliced green onions to distribute evenly without breaking up the seafood.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and lemon zest thoroughly, infusing the dip with a spicy and citrusy flavor profile.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, mixing gently so the cheeses are well combined but still maintain their texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle extra sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown, indicating it is heated through and ready to serve.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dip to cool slightly out of the oven before serving, so it sets a bit and is safe to eat.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh crab meat for canned if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level to make the dip milder or spicier.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
