Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever I want to treat myself. Loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and plenty of melty cheese, this oven-baked casserole comes together easily and always impresses. It’s a warm, bubbly dish I love serving with crusty bread, crackers, or even over pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish turns simple ingredients into something that tastes restaurant-quality. The shrimp and crab are the stars, but the cheesy, seasoned base brings it all together into a creamy, flavorful bake. It’s easy to throw together and feels luxurious without being complicated. Whether I’m hosting guests or just craving something comforting and coastal, this recipe always delivers.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (I chop larger ones)
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Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
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Cream cheese, softened
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Mayonnaise
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Sour cream
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Garlic, minced
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Green onions, chopped
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Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
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Lemon juice
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: hot sauce for a spicy kick
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Optional: breadcrumbs or extra cheese for topping
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper.
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I fold in the shrimp, crab meat, green onions, cheddar, and mozzarella until everything is well mixed.
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I spoon the mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
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If I want a crispy top, I sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese over the top.
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I bake it for 20–25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
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I let it cool for a few minutes before serving with toasted bread, crackers, or spooned over rice or pasta.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes around 35 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. It’s great as a main dish or a rich appetizer to share.
Variations
I sometimes add chopped spinach or artichokes for extra texture and flavor. If I want it spicier, I mix in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a lighter version, I reduce the cream cheese slightly and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Swapping in different cheeses like pepper jack or parmesan also gives it a fun twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot. If the mixture thickens too much, I stir in a splash of cream or milk before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, I’ve used canned crab meat often. I just make sure to drain it well and pick through it for any shell pieces.
What type of shrimp works best?
I usually go with medium or large cooked shrimp. If they’re raw, I sauté them quickly before mixing them into the dish.
Can I freeze this bake?
I don’t recommend freezing it after baking because of the creamy texture, but I can freeze the mixture before baking and cook it fresh when needed.
Is this dish good for parties?
Absolutely. I serve it warm with crackers or crostini, and it’s always a hit as a dip or side dish at gatherings.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, I mix everything and store it in the fridge up to a day in advance. Then I just bake it right before serving.
Conclusion
Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is a creamy, comforting seafood dish I turn to when I want something impressive but easy. It’s loaded with flavor, simple to make, and always feels like a treat. Whether I’m hosting or just enjoying a quiet night in, this dish brings that perfect blend of richness and coastal comfort to the table.
