Oh, shrimp dip—where have you been all my life? This creamy, savory, and just-the-right-amount-of-spicy dip is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy movie night, or just craving something indulgent, this Shrimp Dip has got your back. With plump shrimp, a creamy base, and a burst of flavor in every bite, it’s like all your favorite seafood flavors wrapped up in one irresistible dish. Trust me, once you try this dip, you’ll be hooked.
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Why You’ll Love Shrimp Dip
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or just as a comforting snack. Imagine sitting around with your friends, dipping crispy chips into this creamy goodness. It’s an instant hit.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, you’ll get all the delicious flavor of a seafood dish without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here. It’s a dip that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Customizable: Want more heat? Add some chili flakes. Want it richer? A little extra cream cheese will do the trick. You can tailor it to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Shrimp Dip is one of those dishes that’s a guaranteed win. Whether you’re serving it to seafood lovers or skeptics, they’ll be asking for the recipe.
Ingredients in Shrimp Dip
Let’s break down what you need to make this tasty dip:
Shrimp: The star of the show. You can use pre-cooked shrimp to make things even easier—just chop them up and you’re good to go.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its luscious, creamy base. It helps balance out the shrimp’s savory flavor and gives the dip a smooth texture.
Mayonnaise: For an extra creamy texture and a slight tang that complements the shrimp.
Sour Cream: Adds a little zing and lightness to the dip, making it more refreshing.
Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus to brighten up the dip and enhance the seafood flavors.
Garlic: A small touch of garlic adds depth and that irresistible savory punch.
Chives or Green Onions: Fresh and slightly sharp, they add crunch and a pop of color to the dip.
Seasonings: A little salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to really bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Shrimp: If you’re using uncooked shrimp, cook them first by boiling or sautéing until pink and opaque. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy.
Add the Shrimp: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and green onions or chives, ensuring everything is well-mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Chill: Cover the dip and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve with crispy tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. It’s perfect for dipping, scooping, and savoring!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Shrimp Dip
This dip is versatile enough to pair with just about anything. Here are some serving suggestions:
Tortilla Chips: Serve it with crispy tortilla chips for the perfect salty contrast to the creamy dip.
Fresh Veggies: Sliced cucumbers, carrots, and celery make for a light and refreshing dipping option.
Crackers: Try it with buttery crackers for a more indulgent, crunchy pairing.
Bread: Toasted baguette slices or crusty bread are also perfect for scooping up this creamy shrimp goodness.
As a Sandwich Spread: If you’ve got leftovers, spread it on a sandwich or wrap for a flavorful seafood treat!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the dip the night before your event—it actually gets better as it sits and the flavors meld together.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this dip lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and light mayonnaise instead of regular mayo.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but it’ll hold up well for a few days.
Make it a Meal: If you want to turn this into a more filling dish, spread the dip onto a baked potato or use it as a topping for a salad.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw and drain the shrimp before using. Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to really come together. Just make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it before serving again.
Q4: Can I freeze this dip?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the creamy texture may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q5: How can I make this dip spicier?
A5: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick.
Q6: Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?
A6: Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or even a dairy-free option like avocado if you want to avoid mayo.
Q7: Can I add cheese to this dip?
A7: Absolutely! A bit of shredded cheddar or Parmesan mixed in can add a lovely cheesy element to the dip.
Q8: How can I make this dip more tangy?
A8: A little extra lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar can give it more tang.
Q9: Can I use shrimp cocktail for this dip?
A9: Yes, just chop up the shrimp cocktail and add it to the mix! It’ll save you a step.
Q10: What other seafood can I use in this dip?
A10: You could use crab meat or lobster for a more luxurious version of this dip.
This Shrimp Dip is perfect for any occasion, and I promise it will have everyone at the table talking about how good it is. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing—what more could you want? Enjoy!
Print
Shrimp Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Shrimp Dip is an irresistible party favorite, combining a creamy, cheesy base with succulent shrimp, baked to perfection until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s simple to make and always a hit at gatherings!
Ingredients
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8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
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1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 scallions, diced
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3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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12 ounces fully cooked salad shrimp
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 9-inch cast iron skillet (or baking dish) with nonstick spray.
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In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced scallions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Gently fold in the cooked salad shrimp until evenly distributed.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared skillet, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
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Serve immediately with dippers of your choice (chips, crackers, bread, or vegetables).
Notes
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You can also add a dash of lemon juice or fresh parsley for extra flavor before serving.
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This dip can be made ahead of time, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 recipe)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg