Hot Seafood Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is comforting, indulgent, and incredibly delicious. It’s easy to make and works with a variety of seafood, so you can tailor it to your tastes. Served with crackers, bread, or veggies, it’s always the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cooked seafood (crab, shrimp, scallops, or a mix)
• Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning or paprika (optional)
• Green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning.
4. Fold in the shredded cheese, cooked seafood, and half of the Parmesan.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth out the top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is golden.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Cheesy Twist: Use cream cheese with herbs or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Seafood Options: Try lump crab meat, diced cooked shrimp, canned clams, or a mix of seafood.
• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat cream cheese.
• Garlic Lovers: Roast garlic beforehand for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned seafood?

Yes, canned crab or clams work well. Just drain them thoroughly before adding.

Do I need to cook the seafood first?

Yes, the seafood should be fully cooked before mixing into the dip.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dip and store it in the fridge up to 1 day in advance. Bake just before serving.

What should I serve with seafood dip?

Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or raw vegetables.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially Worcestershire sauce and seasonings) are gluten-free.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, just thaw and drain thoroughly before cooking and adding to the dip.

Can I use just one type of seafood?

Definitely—crab or shrimp alone works well if you prefer a simpler flavor.

What kind of cheese melts best in this dip?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar all melt well. Use a combination for the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the dip from being too runny?

Drain all ingredients well and avoid adding too much lemon juice or mayo.

Can I keep the dip warm during a party?

Yes, transfer it to a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep it hot throughout your event.

Conclusion

Hot Seafood Dip is the ultimate warm and creamy appetizer that brings the bold, comforting flavors of the sea straight to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something savory and special, this dip is always a hit. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Hot Seafood Dip

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Hot Seafood Dip is a rich, creamy appetizer made with tender seafood, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip perfect for parties and gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups cooked seafood (crab, shrimp, scallops, or a mix)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or paprika (optional)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Add garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning. Stir to combine.
4. Fold in shredded cheese, cooked seafood, and half of the Parmesan.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve warm with crackers, bread, or veggies.

Notes

• Use fully cooked seafood to avoid undercooked pieces.
• Mix cheeses for extra flavor and gooey texture.
• For a spicier version, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg