Shrimp And Crab Dip Recipe

Shrimp and crab dip is the ultimate blend of coastal elegance and Southern comfort, merging the briny sweetness of seafood with rich, creamy indulgence.

Inspired by classic French seafood rillettes and New Orleans-style party dips, this recipe layers flavors with a depth that feels both sophisticated and irresistibly familiar.

Pair it with the refreshing crunch of Cheesy Chicken Fritters or the bold flavors of Tostadas De Pollo for a balanced bite that sings with Mediterranean vibrance.

Whether scooped onto crackers or served alongside crisp veggies, it’s a dish that bridges fresh, light flavors with decadent seafood richness.

Behind the Recipe

This dip came from wanting a seafood appetizer that didn’t rely too heavily on cream cheese or heavy binders. Using mayonnaise keeps the texture silky, while parmesan or nutritional yeast adds depth.

Fresh tomatoes and a touch of lemon lighten the richness, and the garlic brings everything together.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like it belongs at game nights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends when you want something warm and shareable without spending too long in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

• Every bite is packed with tender shrimp and lump crab, creating a dip that’s both creamy and texturally satisfying.
• This dip brings the elegance of a seafood appetizer straight to your kitchen, without the high-end price tag.
• Serve it warm or chilled, with crackers, veggies, or even as a spread on sandwiches for a creative twist.
• Despite its luxurious taste, this dip fits beautifully into a balanced diet when paired thoughtfully.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Seafood dips have long been part of coastal cooking traditions, especially in areas where fresh crab and shrimp are abundant.

They started as a way to use leftover seafood and evolved into crowd-pleasing party staples.

Crab dip is popular in the Mid-Atlantic, while shrimp-based dips are often associated with Southern and Gulf Coast cooking.

Combining both gives you a richer, more layered dip that feels familiar but still special.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Sauté shrimp lightly before adding, it deepens flavor.
2. Fold crab meat gently to avoid breaking the lumps.
3. Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting.
4. Add lemon juice gradually and adjust to taste.
5. Warm the dip gently; overheating can separate mayonnaise.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Oven
2. Small pan
3. Mixing bowl
4. Spatula or spoon
5. Oven-proof baking dish
6. Knife and cutting board

Ingredients in This Recipe

• ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 tbsp oil
• ⅓ cup parmesan 2 tbsp nutritional yeast for dairy free
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1 small yellow onion ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup parmesan
• ½ lb chopped shrimp
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Ingredient Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo.
• Crab meat: Imitation crab or extra shrimp.
• Shrimp: Use small bay scallops or diced cooked fish.
• Parmesan: Nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
• Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lump Crab Meat:
Its naturally sweet, delicate flavor gives this dip its signature richness. Folding it in last protects the texture.

Shrimp:
Chopped shrimp adds substance and bite, making the dip heartier and more satisfying than crab alone.

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat, then add onion and tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add shrimp and garlic, cooking for another 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.

Step 4: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, crab, lemon juice, paprika, and parmesan or nutritional yeast until well combined.

Step 5: Stir in the cooked onion, tomato, and shrimp mixture before transferring everything to an oven-proof baking dish.

Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving, 8 servings)

Nutrition	Value
Calories	192kcal
Carbohydrates	5g
Fibre	0.2g
Fat	12g
Protein	15g
Cholesterol	82g

Texture & Flavor Secrets

• Mayonnaise bakes into a silky, rich base.
• Crab adds delicate sweetness, while shrimp provides structure.
• Lemon brightens the richness without overpowering.
• Parmesan on top creates a lightly golden crust.
• Tomatoes soften the overall texture with gentle acidity.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Sprinkle paprika over the top before baking for color.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
• Stir in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for brightness.
• Serve the dip in a warm skillet for longer heat retention.

What to Avoid

1. Don’t overcook shrimp — it becomes rubbery.
2. Don’t stir crab too aggressively — it breaks apart.
3. Avoid boiling or baking at high heat — mayonnaise can split.
4. Don’t add watery tomatoes — drain excess moisture if needed.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assemble dip up to 24 hours ahead; bake before serving.
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.

Try More Shrimp Recipes Like This!

1. Copycat Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Chicken And Shrimp
2. Keto Cajun Shrimp Caesar Salad
3. Easy Shrimp Caesar Salad
4. Keto Coconut Shrimp
5. Grilled Scallops And Shrimp Kabobs

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Spread on toast for a seafood melt
• Stir into pasta for a creamy seafood dish
• Fill omelets or stuffed mushrooms
• Spoon over baked potatoes
• Use as filler for seafood quesadillas

Additional Tips

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
• Garnish with parsley or chives for color.
• Use high-quality crab for the best flavor.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire for depth.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve the dip in a warm cast-iron skillet, topped with lightly toasted parmesan and a sprinkle of paprika. Add fresh herbs for color and surround the dish with a variety of dippers — it instantly looks abundant and inviting.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Cajun Dip: Add Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
2. Cheesy Crab & Shrimp Dip: Add mozzarella or gruyère.
3. Tomato-Basil Seafood Dip: Add fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Garlic Herb Dip: Add dill, parsley, and green onions.
5. Lemon Pepper Dip: Bright and zesty version with extra lemon.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned crab meat?
   Yes, just drain it well.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
3. Do I have to bake the dip?
   Warming it improves texture, but it can be served chilled.
4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
   Yes — just chop and fold in.
5. Why is my dip watery?
   Tomatoes may need to be drained.
6. Can I make this spicy?
   Add cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños.
7. Can I substitute mayonnaise?
   Greek yogurt works but will be tangier.
8. How do I keep leftovers fresh?
   Store airtight in the refrigerator.
9. Can I add more cheese?
   Absolutely — parmesan or mozzarella works well.
10. What are the best dippers?
    Pita chips, crackers, baguette, or vegetables.