Smoked Hot Shrimp and Crab Dip Appetizer

Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Carne Diem

Protein: Shrimp, Crab

Appetizers and Sharables

Method: Smoker or Oven

The creamy and cheesy hot shrimp and crab dip appetizer is the perfect recipe for seafood lovers. Loaded with fresh shrimp, tender lump crab meat and a mixture of cheeses, this smoked seafood dip is the great addition to your seafood dinner or as an appetizer for gameday.

Get Your Smoke On: Smoked Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Dip - The Ultimate Party Pleaser

Craving a dip that's creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Smoked Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Dip! This recipe takes your classic hot crab dip to the next level by adding a smoky twist that will have your guests begging for more.

Why This Dip is a Winner:

• Smoky Sensation: A touch of smoke adds an irresistible depth of flavor that sets this dip apart from the rest.
• Seafood Bliss: Loaded with juicy shrimp and succulent crab, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all seafood lovers.
• Gooey Goodness: A blend of cheeses creates a rich and creamy base that perfectly complements the smoky and savory flavors.

Making the Hot Seafood Dip

To make the crab and shrimp dip you will just need to get some fresh seafood a mixture of cheeses and seasonings, and then bake the dip in your oven or make a smoked seafood dip in your smoker.

Ingredients for the Shrimp and Crab Dip

• Select your Cheeses
  • We use a blend of cheeses in the seafood dip. Typically, we use a mixture of shredded fontina and cheddar cheese in the dip and as a topping and then use a soft cheese to add some creaminess to the dip. Our favorite soft cheeses to use are Boursin with fine herbs, or an herb flavored goat cheese.

Be sure to try some of our other great cheese centric recipes:

• Authentic Provoleta: Argentinian Grilled Cheese
• Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Za'atar Seasoning
• Basque Style Burnt Cheesecake Recipe: Tarta de Queso
• Smoked Bacon Pimento Cheese
• Smoked German Beer Cheese Sauce
• Keshi Yena: Aruban Meat Stuffed Cheese
• Filet Mignon with Goat Cheese Sauce
• Smoked Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese

• Select your Seafood:
  • For the seafood we use a mixture of lump crab meat and shrimp. Look for a crab brand with larger chunks or use fresh crab.

For the shrimp use small varieties or you can use larger shrimp and cut it into smaller pieces for use in the hot seafood dip. Other great substitutes or additions include langostino or bay scallops.

Additional ingredients needed to make the homemade shrimp and crab dip, include butter, garlic, and hot sauce.

Cooking the Seafood Dip Appetizer

Cook the shrimp in garlic butter

To make the dip, start by melting some butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2- 3 minutes. Add in the bite sized shrimp and sauté in the garlic butter until cooked.

Remove the cooked shrimp from the heat and gently stir in the lump crab, being careful not to break it apart.

Mix and combine the dip

Reserve about ½ cup of the shredded cheeses and add the rest to a large bowl. Next combine the cheeses in the bowl with the cooked chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, soft cheese, and hot sauce. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab. Add the garlic butter from the cooked shrimp as well. Add the dip to an oven safe pan or dish.

Top the seafood dip with the reserved cheddar and fontina.

Bake it Golden

Preheat your grill or smoker to 350 degrees. Once preheated transfer the baking dish to the oven or smoker and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serving the hot crab and shrimp dip

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle the top with the scallions for a pop of color, if desired. Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités for dipping.

Tips and Tricks

• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or increase the hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble this dip up to 24 hours before baking. Simply store it in the refrigerator and throw it in the smoker or oven when you are ready to cook.
• Leftover Love: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Cheese Please!: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda or Gruyere would be delicious additions to this recipe.

This Smoked Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. It's easy to make, impressive to serve, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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