How to Make It:
- Mix the Creamy Base: Begin by preparing the creamy base of this dip. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This will be your rich, flavorful foundation. Add the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning), a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add the optional hot sauce at this stage. Whip everything together until fully incorporated. This mixture will provide the creamy, savory base that perfectly complements the seafood. Set aside for the next step.
- Fold in Seafood & Cheese: Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients: seafood and cheese. Carefully chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re not too small to lose their texture, and fold them into the creamy mixture. Next, add the lump crab meat, ensuring to keep the crab chunky. The texture of the crab is key to the dip’s overall appeal, so be gentle when folding to preserve the delicate pieces. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Continue to fold everything together until evenly distributed. The combination of seafood and cheese creates a flavor-packed, rich filling with a perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
- Bake It Melty: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy seafood mixture into a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface. Top the dip with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring a generous layer that will melt beautifully as it bakes. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot throughout and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top. The cheese should be fully melted, and the edges of the dip will have a slight golden crust. This is when you know it’s ready for the next step.
