Name: Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz soft unripened goat cheese (or softened cream cheese); 1/2 cup sour cream (or paleo mayo); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp sriracha; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 2 cans (6 oz each) crab meat, squeezed dry; 1 cup finely chopped cooked shrimp, patted dry; 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you love the irresistible combo of seafood and melted cheese, you are absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy, and indulgent appetizer that brings together tender chunks of crab and shrimp with a blend of cheeses, a touch of spice, and fresh herbs—creating a warm, bubbly dip that feels like a celebration in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed way to make your snack time extraordinary.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl sits on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface, filled with several visible layers. On the left, there is a pale yellow shredded cheese layer with soft, stringy texture. The middle layer is made of small, white and pinkish pieces that look like chopped seafood with a slightly moist texture. To the right, there is a mix of finely chopped green herbs and scallions with fresh, leafy texture. A pink spatula is placed inside the bowl, leaning to the right side. In the background, there are blurred small white bowls and a red bowl with shredded cheese on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe is delightfully simple, featuring straightforward ingredients that each add a layer of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. You’ll find that each component plays a starring role in creating the creamy richness and seafood goodness that makes this dip unforgettable.

Goat cheese (or softened cream cheese): Provides a tangy creaminess that forms the luxurious base of the dip.

Sour cream (or paleo mayo): Adds smoothness and a slight tang to balance the richness.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness that awakens the flavors.
Sriracha: Just enough to add a gentle kick without overpowering the seafood.

Onion powder: Rounds out the savory profile with soft, aromatic notes.
Garlic powder: Enhances depth with its warm, mellow garlic flavor.
Crab meat (two 6 oz cans, drained): The star seafood ingredient offering sweet, delicate bites throughout.

Cooked shrimp (finely chopped): Introduces a tender texture and briny flavor that complements the crab.
Mozzarella cheese (grated): Melts perfectly to create that beautifully stretchy, gooey texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese (grated): Adds a punch of bold, tangy flavor to the mix.

Parmesan cheese (grated): Contributes a nutty, salty finish and helps create a golden crust on top.
Green onion (finely chopped): Sprinkles in fresh, crisp brightness and a touch of color.
Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Offers herbaceous freshness and a lovely pop of green.

How to Make Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the creamy base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the goat cheese or softened cream cheese, sour cream or mayo, Dijon mustard, sriracha, onion powder, and garlic powder. Aim for a smooth, creamy texture that will bind all the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Incorporate the seafood and cheeses

Next, gently fold in the drained crab meat, finely chopped cooked shrimp, green onion, fresh parsley, and the blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Save a handful of cheese aside for the topping. Be careful not to overmix, so you keep those tender chunks of seafood intact and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake to bubbly perfection

Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish, then sprinkle with the reserved cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until you see a bubbling, golden-brown crust forming on the edges and top. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Let it rest and garnish

Once baked, allow the dip to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop. For an inviting presentation, sprinkle extra chopped parsley and garnish with a whole cooked shrimp if you like. This step really elevates the look and freshness of your Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe.

How to Serve Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe

A black round pan filled with a creamy, white cheesy dip, sprinkled with green herbs on top. In the middle, two pink and white cooked shrimp sit on the surface. A woman's hand is dipping a rectangular cracker with seeds and grains into the thick dip, lifting some cheese and cream with it. Around the pan, more similar seeded crackers are placed on a beige cloth. In the background, a white cup filled with orange carrot sticks is visible, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing makes this dip pop like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a perfectly cooked shrimp on top. These not only add a burst of color but also an aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness, making every bite bright and balanced.

Side Dishes

This dip shines when paired with crunchy sides such as sliced crusty bread, crispy crackers, or an assortment of fresh crudités like celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and bell peppers. These options provide the ideal contrast to the creamy, cheesy dip with their crisp texture and refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe inside a hollowed-out rustic bread bowl or mini cast-iron skillets for individual servings. You can also scoop portions onto endive leaves or use colorful vegetable chips to add flair and a bit of elegance to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this cheesy marvel, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the dip’s creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save your dip for later, freezing is absolutely possible. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cheeses might change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste delicious and comforting.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve that lovely texture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley after reheating for an instant lift.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab and shrimp instead of canned and cooked?

Definitely! Fresh crab and shrimp can be used, but make sure they are cooked and drained thoroughly before mixing into the dip to avoid excess liquid that might affect the texture.

Is it possible to make this dip dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy cheeses with vegan alternatives, and use dairy-free sour cream or mayo. The flavor will be different but still tasty and creamy.

How spicy is the dip with sriracha in it?

The sriracha adds a gentle heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming. If you prefer milder, simply reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

Can I prepare this dip ahead and bake it just before serving?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dip up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and then bake it just before guests arrive for a fresh, bubbly result.

What can I substitute if I don’t have goat cheese?

Softened cream cheese is a perfect substitute that provides a similarly creamy texture and mild flavor to keep your dip luscious and smooth.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe is like creating a little pot of happiness that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion where you want to treat yourself and others with something truly special but simple to whip up. I can’t wait for you to try it—just imagine the smiles when everyone tastes how perfectly cheesy and seafood-packed this dip is!

Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need