The Best Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip Recipe
Written by: Kathy Moulding
If you’re looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Simple Layered Seafood Dip is the perfect addition to your next gathering. With creamy layers of rich flavors and a touch of seafood goodness, this easy dip will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game night, or casual get-together, this recipe is the perfect appetizer.
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What you will Love about this Recipe!
- Quick and Easy – Minimal prep and simple layering make this recipe a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Elegant enough for parties but easy enough for a weekday snack.
- Deliciously Flavorful – A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with crab and or shrimp.
- Customizable – Switch up the layers to fit your flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip Recipe
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned crab meat, drained) OR shrimp (canned and drained)
- 1/4 cup seafood sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, marble or mozza cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup of finely diced green pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Pro Tip: For health-conscious substitutions, Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
Step by Step Instructions for Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip
1. Prepare the Base Layer
- Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
2. Add the Seafood Sauce and Seafood
- Pour cocktail sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently layer the seafood over the base layers.
3. Top it Off
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
- Add green onions and diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
4. Chill and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Pro Tip: Pull it out of the fridge and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature before you start. Softened cream cheese is so much easier to mix, resulting in that silky, smooth, creamy texture we all crave in a good dip. If you’re in a time crunch, you can soften it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, but keep an eye on it to avoid melting.
Substitution Ingredients for Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese
- Use Greek yogurt in the place of sour cream.
- Try using chili sauce in place of the cocktail sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crispy tortilla chips or pita bread for added crunch.
- Serve with buttery crackers or any other favorite type of cracker.
- For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh veggie sticks, such as carrots and celery sticks.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or inside wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this dip a head of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use imitation crab?
Absolutely. Imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative to lump crab meat.
3. How long does this dip last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Can I serve this dip warm?
Yes! Bake in an oven-proof baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated and bubbly.
5. What if I don’t have cocktail sauce?
You can substitute cocktail sauce with salsa or a blend of ketchup and horseradish.
This Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip is the ultimate easy appetizer that combines seafood indulgence with creamy goodness. This recipe is a family favorite! Perfect for any occasion, whether you need a perfect party appetizer, a dish to bring to holiday parties, or an addition to game day festivities, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
The Best Simple Layered Cream Cheese Seafood Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise not Miracle Whip
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup lump crab meat or Shrimp fresh or canned crab or shrimp meat, drained
- 1/4 cup seafood sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese marble or mozza cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes optional
- 1/4 cup of finely diced green pepper optional
- Fresh Parsley for garnish optional
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Base Layer
- Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
Add the Crab and Toppings
- Pour cocktail sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently layer the lump crab meat over the creamy base.
Top it Off
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
- Add green onions and diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Chill and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
