Cheesy Shrimp & Crab Bake Dip

Begin by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the chopped shrimp to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should be tender, so be sure to not overcook them.
Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings will enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and provide depth of flavor.
Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the crab meat. If using canned or imitation crab, make sure it’s broken up into small, manageable pieces to blend evenly into the dip.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan. The cream cheese and sour cream provide a rich, creamy texture, while the mozzarella and cheddar offer a gooey, cheesy consistency.
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the cheeses. If you like an extra kick of flavor, add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning to taste for a little spice and complexity.
Mix everything together until the dip mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Carefully add the sautéed shrimp and crab mixture into the cheesy dip base. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Be sure not to overmix, as you want to keep the texture of the seafood intact, but ensure the shrimp and crab are well-incorporated into the cheesy sauce.

Spread the seafood and cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make it even.
Top with a generous amount of extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This will create a beautiful golden, cheesy crust once baked.
Sprinkle a bit of paprika or chili flakes on top for added color and a subtle heat boost.
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top. The cheese should be fully melted and the edges lightly browned.