If there’s one showstopper that turns any gathering into an instant celebration, it’s this Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip. Creamy, bursting with coastal flavors, and carrying just the right amount of spicy Cajun kick, this seafood dip is irresistibly scoopable and endlessly crave-worthy. The combination of tender crab and juicy shrimp, melded with smooth cheeses and zesty spices, creates a warm, bubbly appetizer that feels fancy but is quick to whip up. Whether you serve it straight from the oven for a party or sneak leftovers for a decadent midnight snack, Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip will have everyone crowding around the snack table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip is how simple yet transformative each ingredient is. Every component brings its own flair, from creaminess to spice to brightness, working together for a layered, flavor-packed result.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The silky base that gives the dip its signature lusciousness and holds everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and keeps the dip extra creamy without being too dense.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Gives a velvety, rich finish that blends seamlessly with cream cheese and sour cream.
- Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Delivers a bold, lightly spicy, and herbal kick that defines the dip’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A quick hit of garlicky depth with no chopping required.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses subtle, savory sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the finished dip.
- Hot sauce (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who likes a dash of fiery heat to accentuate the Cajun flair.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for a deliciously gooey pull with each scoop.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Gives salty, nutty depth and helps brown the top just right.
- Cooked shrimp (1 cup, chopped): Juicy bites of sweet shrimp that bring texture and taste of the sea.
- Lump crab meat (1 cup): The star protein, lending delicate brininess and richness (be sure to pick out any shell bits!).
- Green onions (2, finely sliced): For a burst of freshness and a little crunch.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds herby brightness over the warm, rich dip.
- Lemon wedges: A final squeeze over each serving perks up all the flavors and brings balance.
How to Make Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, when your Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip mixture is ready, there’s no waiting around — it goes right into the oven for maximum gooey deliciousness. While the oven warms up, soften your cream cheese for easier blending.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until everything is super smooth and creamy with no lumps left. This is your canvas for layering all the bold, zesty flavors to come.
Step 3: Stir in Cajun Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and hot sauce if you’re craving a little more heat. Fold everything together so that every scoop of dip will carry that signature Cajun flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seafood
Time for the mouthwatering part! Fold in the shredded cheddar, parmesan, chopped cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, and those fresh green onions. Gently mix to avoid breaking up the crab too much. Every bite should be studded with bits of seafood and melty cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet and spread it evenly. Pop your dip into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling at the edges and the top is lightly golden. This is where everything melds together into cheesy, Cajun-spiced bliss.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the hot dip from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over top, and set out lemon wedges. The pop of green looks gorgeous on the golden top, and a little squeeze of lemon over your scoop adds a burst of brightness. Serve your Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip warm with chips, toasted bread, or crackers, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds both color and a mellow herbal finish to the piping-hot dip. Lemon wedges on the side are a must — just a quick squeeze before digging in perks up every bite and cuts through the richness. For extra flair, a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning right after baking makes it pop with aroma and color.
Side Dishes
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip is stellar with sturdy dippers that can stand up to its heft and creaminess. Serve it with crisp crostini, crunchy baguette slices, thick-cut tortilla chips, or even waffle fries for a fun, Southern touch. For a lighter spread, sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, or cucumber rounds add crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for an edible bowl that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Small, individual ramekins make it party-perfect for personal servings. For a Southern brunch, use the dip to top baked potatoes or spoon it over mild grilled fish for an unforgettable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the leftover Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers taste even more decadent.
Freezing
You can freeze this dip before baking! Assemble as instructed, then cover tightly with foil or a lid. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly, but the flavors will stay fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated dip by placing it in an oven-safe dish and baking at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch (heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley just before serving to revive that just-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I make Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to party, bake it fresh so it’s hot and bubbling for your guests — just add a couple of minutes to the bake time if it’s straight from the fridge.
What are the best types of crab and shrimp to use in this dip?
Lump crab meat is ideal because it’s sweet and holds its texture well, but backfin or claw meat works deliciously too. For shrimp, just make sure they’re cooked, peeled, and chopped into bite-size pieces; both fresh or thawed frozen shrimp will do the trick.
How can I make this dip spicier (or milder)?
To turn up the heat, simply add extra Cajun seasoning or a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce. If you like things gentler, start with less Cajun seasoning and omit the hot sauce — you can always add heat at the table for spice-lovers.
Can I use light or low-fat substitutes for any of the ingredients?
Definitely! Light cream cheese and Greek yogurt work beautifully in place of their full-fat counterparts, making Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip a touch lighter while still maintaining plenty of flavor and creaminess.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip itself is gluten-free as written, but always confirm your Cajun seasoning and other add-ins have no hidden gluten. For serving, just stick with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or gluten-free crackers.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those appetizers that will become legendary with your friends and family. Whether you serve Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip at a lively shindig or make it for a special night in, expect requests for the recipe! Dive in, experiment, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this Southern-inspired crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Print
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip, a creamy and spicy seafood appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. This baked dip combines tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a blend of cheeses with Cajun spices for a zesty kick.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Cheese and Seafood Mix:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, shrimp, crab meat, and green onions.
- Bake: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Finish: Sprinkle with parsley, serve warm with lemon wedges and sides.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt and light cream cheese.
- Dip can be prepared in advance and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
