Name: Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent seafood dish that’s loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab, and lots of gooey cheese. I love how it comes together quickly and bakes into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that feels like something I’d order at a coastal restaurant. Whether I serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread or make it the centerpiece of dinner, this dish always gets rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this seafood bake because it combines the sweet, delicate flavors of shrimp and crab with the richness of a cheesy, creamy sauce. It’s incredibly comforting, full of texture, and perfect for special occasions or when I’m craving something extra decadent. Plus, it’s simple to put together — just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s versatile too — I can serve it with pasta, over rice, or with crackers as a warm dip.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked shrimp, chopped
Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
Cream cheese, softened
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Garlic, minced
Green onions, chopped
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Lemon juice
Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
In a large bowl, I mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, and seasoning until smooth.
I fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, green onions, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella.
I spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and top it with the remaining cheeses and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
I bake it uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
I garnish with chopped parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or 4 as a main dish. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in around 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I spice things up with a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños. I’ve also added spinach or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture. For a smoky twist, I use smoked paprika or a bit of smoked Gouda. If I want to make it heartier, I stir in some cooked pasta before baking to turn it into a full seafood casserole.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through or microwave it in short bursts. If the top has dried out a little, I stir in a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab?

Yes, I use canned or imitation crab when fresh isn’t available. I just make sure to drain it well and pick through for any shells.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Then I just bake it when I’m ready to serve.

What should I serve this with?

I love serving it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even tortilla chips. It also works over pasta or rice for a main course.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy base may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

How do I keep the seafood from overcooking?

Since the shrimp and crab are already cooked, I make sure not to bake the dish too long — just enough to heat through and melt the cheese.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake is the kind of dish I reach for when I want something rich, comforting, and full of coastal flavor. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully cheesy, and packed with tender seafood in every bite. Whether I’m making it for a party or just treating myself to something special, it always satisfies and never lasts long at the table.