Hot Creole Seafood Dip
A spicy, creamy seafood dip featuring lump crabmeat and small cooked shrimp, infused with Creole seasoning, hot pepper sauce, and fresh bell peppers. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and a comforting texture, served hot with crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Creole seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 (6 1/2 oz.) cans lump crabmeat, drained
- 1 (5 oz.) pkg. small cooked shrimp ⓘ
- crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped bell pepper and chopped green onion, and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Set the sautéed vegetables aside.
- In the same skillet, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, Creole seasoning, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook until the cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended.
- Stir in drained lump crabmeat and small cooked shrimp.
- Heat through and serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream. If you want to reduce the heat, omit the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot pepper sauce. You can also substitute the lump crabmeat with canned tuna or even shredded chicken if you prefer. To enhance flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Creole Seafood Dip warm with Omega Oyster Crackers for a delightful crunch. It's perfect as an appetizer for parties or game days. Pair it with a fresh green salad or vegetable platter for a complete meal. For a twist, try it alongside toasted baguette slices or alongside the Budget Shrimp Creole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream cheese from separating. Stir occasionally until warmed through. This dip can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Creole Seafood Dip contains roughly 404 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen seafood can be a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent the dip from becoming watery.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To up the heat, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add a pinch more cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different hot sauces to find the flavor profile that suits your taste. Just remember to add spice gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. This makes it convenient for gatherings, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests while still serving a delicious dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).