This Cajun crab dip is a Southern-inspired twist on the classic hot crab dip, kicked up with bold Cajun spices and juicy shrimp for a double dose of seafood goodness. This shrimp and crab dip will absolutely hit the spot. Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, it’s everything you want in a party dip. Serve it hot and bubbly with crusty bread or crackers, and watch it disappear fast!
Let’s talk about flavor! This shrimp and crab dip combines tender shrimp and sweet crab with a blend of Cajun seasonings for a dip that’s loaded with personality. It’s creamy from the cream cheese, slightly spicy from the Cajun blend, and filled with fresh seafood flavor in every scoop. And here’s the best part—it’s incredibly easy to make! Just mix, bake, and serve. Even beginner cooks can totally rock this one.
You can use this recipe for cajun crab dip for a party, a holiday spread, or a cozy night in. It always works out well. It’s a family favorite at our house and always gets rave reviews. You can even make it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular recipe rotation—guaranteed.
Take other delicious appetizers with you to your next holiday party or big game night like spicy meatball recipe, recipe for spicy deviled eggs, or cream cheese stuffed peppers.
Content Covered Here
Why We Love This Shrimp and Crab Dip
- It’s an easy 30-minute recipe.
Just a few ingredients and minimal prep are required to make this recipe for Cajun crab dip. It can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, making it ideal for last-minute guests or party preparation. - It was the winner of our family “dip-off”!
This dip actually tied for first place in our family’s annual “dip-off” competition—and that’s saying something! Everyone loved the flavor, texture, and creamy seafood combo. - Perfect for parties.
This dip is bold, flavorful, and holds up well when made in advance. Just reheat before serving and it’s good as new. It’s always one of the first dishes gone at gatherings.
This recipe is perfect for creating a festive atmosphere with bold, delicious flavors. If you’re looking to expand your Mardi Gras menu, be sure to check out our Mardi Gras foods for more exciting dishes to celebrate in style.
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.
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.
Recipe Variations
- Add sour cream: For an even creamier dip, mix in ¼ cup of sour cream with the cream cheese.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in paprika and cayenne pepper for more smoky heat.
- Extra savory: A splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami flavor.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of garlic powder and onion powder for even more punch.
- Color and texture: Toss in chopped pimentos or finely diced bell pepper for color and crunch.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- 10” round or square baking dish
- Hand or stand mixer (optional)
How to Make this Recipe for 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.
🎯 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.
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
This hot Cajun crab dip is best served warm and bubbly, straight from the oven. Scoop it up with Ritz crackers, sliced celery, carrots, or crusty wheat bread. It also works beautifully with toasted baguette slices or sturdy tortilla chips. For a more refreshing bite, serve alongside a veggie platter, or pair it with a cold beer or sparkling lemonade to balance out the heat.
This recipe for cajun crab dip is ideal whether you’re throwing a party, commemorating the holidays, or searching for a daring starter.
Recipe FAQs
It’s not a good idea to freeze this dip, but it’s super easy to make another batch!
Depending on your cajun seasoning blend, it could be a little spicy. You can always add more spice with a dash of hot sauce.
We recommend buying frozen seafood, as it’s usually the freshest option, depending on how close you live to the ocean.
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!
Cajun Crab Dip
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- 10” round or square baking dish
- stand or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise low or full-fat mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 lemon juiced
- 4 green onions (scallions) chopped, green and white
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces medium raw shrimp cut into bite sized pieces
- 8 ounces crab claw meat
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice until well combined. I use a mixer, but you can mix it by hand.
- Stir in the green onions and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat.
- Add mixture to the baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with sliced baguettes, raw vegetables, or crackers.
Notes
- Add sour cream: For an even creamier dip, mix in ¼ cup of sour cream with the cream cheese.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in paprika and cayenne pepper for more smoky heat.
- Extra savory: A splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami flavor.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of garlic powder and onion powder for even more punch.
- Color and texture: Toss in chopped pimentos or finely diced bell pepper for color and crunch.
- 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.
Nutrition
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email below, and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Alison Corey says
Oh, Cajun Crab Dip with shrimp sounds absolutely divine! I can just imagine the savory flavors and the perfect blend of spices in every bite.
MacKenzie says
This is the perfect southern appetizer. I just added to my Kentucky derby menu.
Sky says
Served this dip for at a dinner party and everyone loved it! Thanks for another great recipe!
Ned says
The crab and cajun were a perfect match! Wow so much flavor and so delicious! Thank you!
dana says
This crab dip is ah-mazing! So flavorful and rich, and it was so easy to make!