Cold Seafood Dip
This Cold Seafood Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Ready in minutes and loaded with shrimp and crab in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a dip that’s easy enough for impromptu get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions.
Appetizers are always the backbone of any good party, and dips hold the top spot in that category. With so many flavors and textures, from 7-layer dip cups to creamy dessert variations like Christmas tree cake dip, there’s always a dip for any occasion.
Seafood is also a classic flavor for an appetizer. In addition to our dips, we also love to make seafood snacks like these crab rangoon egg rolls for any kind of event. Now, we’ve paired the two to create this cold seafood dip. It’s easy to make, but so good that it’s hard to stop eating!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Limited Ingredients: This dip requires only a few simple ingredients found in any grocery store.
- Easy: To make this dip, all you have to do is mix and chill!
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of creamy and mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy dip.
- Full of Flavor: The seasonings, crab, shrimp, green onions, and cheddar cheese create a dip that explodes with flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve this dip at gatherings ranging from gameday parties to special events.
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
The recipe list for this recipe is so simple that you’ll be in and out of the grocery store in just a few minutes.
Variations
- Mayonnaise: You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayo for different flavor variations.
- Cheddar Cheese: Any bold, full-bodied cheese will work well. They all bring their own unique flavor to the dip.
- Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick of heat.
How to Make Cold Seafood Dip
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
- Cover and chill for at least an hour. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Chop your shrimp into small pieces, but don’t mince them. You want a nice texture that’s chunky but not TOO chunky.
- To avoid a watery dip, drain the crab meat as you normally would. Then, place it between two layers of paper towels and press to remove as much moisture as possible.
- When using lump crab meat, it’s always best to check for shells. It’s usually fine, but there’s a bit of shell in the can from time to time.
- Fully soften your cream cheese for the best dip texture and to avoid any little bits of pure cream cheese in the dip.
Cold Seafood Dip FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
It can be served either way, and it’s totally up to you. It’s delicious both ways, so it comes down to personal preference.
Seafood dip will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
The usual culprit for watery seafood dip is crab that wasn’t drained adequately. To ensure a thick, creamy dip that isn’t watery, drain your crab. Then, place it between two layers of paper towels and press to remove any remaining excess liquid.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Cold Seafood Dip
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- ½ pound small shrimp chopped
- 6 ounces lump crab meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well mixed.
- Cover and chill for at least one hour.
- Garnish with shrimp and chopped green onion before serving.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
This is the perfect summer appetizer. It’s so tasty and refreshing.
This looks so good! I love how creamy it is, and using mayo is a great base. It’s like tartar sauce!
My friends loved this seafood dip. Loved the cheesy cajun flavor. They finished it all at the party and wanted me to make it next time but double it!
I brought this to a family gathering and it was gone in minutes. So creamy and packed with flavor!
Exactly the dip I’ve been looking for! It’s super hot here now, so this seafood dip is a blessing!