Description
Delight your guests with this rich and creamy Million Dollar Shrimp & Crab Dip, loaded with succulent shrimp, lump crab meat, cheeses, and bacon for a decadent appetizer that's perfect for parties or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 1 lb salad shrimp, patted dry
- 6 oz lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated pepper Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely sliced green onion (plus 2 tablespoons for garnish)
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip until it becomes golden and bubbly.
- Mix the creamy base: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add in the grated pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, finely diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Blend again to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Then mix in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and ground black pepper for a well-seasoned base.
- Add the seafood and bacon: Using a fork, gently stir in the lump crab meat and cooked bacon pieces. Fold in the salad shrimp carefully to maintain their shape and texture without overmixing.
- Prepare for baking: Spoon the mixed dip into a 1.5-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling vigorously.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle the extra diced green onions over the top as a fresh garnish.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly dry the shrimp to prevent excess moisture in the dip.
- You can substitute lump crab meat with claw meat if desired, but lump meat provides the best texture and flavor.
- Allow the dip to rest after baking; this helps it firm up for easier serving.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- If preferred, adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of paprika and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
