Cajun Crab Dip with Shrimp

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Cajun crab dip is a twist on the traditional crab dip with cajun spices to give it a taste of the south and shrimp to double that seafood flavor. This Louisiana hot crab dip is an amazing blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh seafood that everyone will love dipping fresh bread or crackers into!

A bowl of cajun crab dip with shrimp with croutons served on a wooden platter with a bowl of carrots.

This dish is seriously delicious! It’s super easy to make, so even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll nail it. The blend of spicy Cajun seasoning with the sweetness of the crab and the juicy shrimp is just perfect. Plus, the creamy texture of the dip is pure comfort food.

Whether you’re sharing it at a laid-back gathering or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is a winner. Once you try it, you’ll be craving it all the time!

Take other delicious appetizers with you to your next holiday party or big game night like firecracker meatballs, spicy deviled eggs, or cream cheese stuffed peppers.

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Why We Love This Recipe

It’s an easy 30-minute recipe.
This super simple dip only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
It was the winner of our family “dip off”!
In a recent competition with our extended family, this recipe tied for 1st place! That’s how good this Louisiana hot crab dip is!
Perfect for parties.
This dip is packed with flavor and is an excellent party dip. Make it ahead of time and take it with you to your next family gathering.

Croutons dipped in a bowl of cajun crab dip with shrimp.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cream cheese: soften the cream cheese so it’s easy to mix in with the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: you can use low or full-fat mayo in this recipe.
Dijon mustard: there’s really no substitute for this – a little Dijon mustard goes a long way.
Cajun seasoning: We love Kinder’s brand, but you can use your favorite blend or even make it at home.
Lemon juice: buy or use fresh lemons instead of lemon juice from a bottle.
Scallions (Green Onions): thinly sliced green onions add texture and flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, use chopped shallots.
Cheddar and parmesan cheese: buy pre-shredded cheese, or shred your own from block cheese to shred yourself for the cheesiest mixture.
Shrimp: it’s easiest to buy deveined and peeled shrimp so you don’t need to spend time preparing the shrimp.
Crab meat: be sure to use real crab meat. You can find this in the frozen seafood section of the grocery store or in the refrigerated meat section in cans.

Prepared ingredients for cajun crab dip with shrimp.

Imitation vs. Real Crab

Imitation crab meat, or surimi, is made from a combination of fish (usually Alaskan pollock) and other ingredients such as starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and flavorings. This mixture is processed to resemble the texture and appearance of real.

On the other hand, real crab meat is harvested from real crabs. Its taste and texture can vary depending on the variety, but it generally has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than imitation.

Real crab meat can be sold as lump crab meat, which consists of larger chunks of meat, or as claw meat, which are smaller pieces.

Two cans of white crabmeat and a bag of surimi flake for cajun crab dip with shrimp.

How to Make Cajun Crab Dip

Mix the cream cheese and seasonings with a mixer.

It’s much easier to combine these ingredients with a stand or hand mixer.

Mixing ingredients on a bowl with whisk for cajun crab dip with shrimp.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Softened cream cheese (room temperature) will be easier to mix. Pull your package of cream cheese from the fridge for 30-45 minutes before preparing the recipe.

Gently fold in the seafood.

Carefully stir in the other ingredients so they keep their wonderful texture. You can use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon for this.

Mixing ingredients on a bowl with rubber scrapper for cajun crab dip with shrimp.

Bake until golden brown on top.

Spread the dip mixture in a baking dish and pop it in the oven to bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Then serve it with baguette slices, crunchy vegetables, or crackers.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Check the mixture after 20 minutes of baking. Overbaking will dry out this incredibly cheesy dip.

A bowl of cajun crab dip with shrimp with croutons served on a wooden platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze cajun seafood dip?

It’s not a good idea to freeze this dip, but it’s super easy to make another batch!

Is Cajun crab dip spicy?

Depending on your cajun seasoning blend, it could be a little spicy. You can always add more spice with a dash of hot sauce.

Should I buy fresh or frozen seafood to make this dip?

We recommend buying frozen seafood, as it’s usually the freshest option, depending on how close you live to the ocean.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave leftovers in 30 minute increments until heated through.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Consider…

If you tried this cajun crab dip with shrimp recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

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