Name: Shrimp Dip
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste); 1 cup small cooked shrimp, chopped (canned, frozen & thawed, or fresh); 2 green onions, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Shrimp Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer loaded with tender shrimp, rich cream cheese, and bold seasonings. It’s the perfect party starter—easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit served with crackers, chips, or veggies. Whether warm or cold, this dip brings coastal vibes to any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Dip is quick to prepare, ideal for entertaining, and completely customizable. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s one of those dishes that disappears fast at any get-together. Serve it warm and bubbly or chilled and creamy—it’s delicious both ways. Plus, it can be made ahead, making party planning a breeze.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked shrimp (chopped)
Cream cheese (softened)
Sour cream or mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder or finely minced green onion
Hot sauce (optional)
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional for baked version)
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

directions

For Cold Shrimp Dip:

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Mix in sour cream (or mayo), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce if desired.
Fold in chopped cooked shrimp.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving with crackers, veggies, or chips.

For Warm Shrimp Dip:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients (including shredded cheese if using) in a bowl until well combined.
Spoon into a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (cold version): 30 minutes
Bake Time (hot version): 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 10–35 minutes depending on the version

Variations

Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning and extra hot sauce for bold southern flavor.
Seafood Blend: Mix in lump crab or scallops with the shrimp for a seafood medley.
Tex-Mex Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and Mexican blend cheese.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or smoked shrimp for a deeper taste.
Low-Fat Option: Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For cold dip, serve straight from the fridge. For warm dip, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through or in short bursts in the microwave. Not recommended for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate.

FAQs

Can I use canned shrimp?

Yes, canned shrimp works in a pinch. Drain and chop before using, but fresh or cooked frozen shrimp offer better texture and flavor.

Can I make shrimp dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cold shrimp dip can be made up to a day ahead. For baked versions, assemble in advance and bake just before serving.

What size shrimp should I use?

Small shrimp or salad shrimp work best. If using larger shrimp, just chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I serve this dip warm and cold?

Yes, it’s great either way! Warm versions are extra creamy and cheesy, while cold versions are lighter and refreshing.

What do I serve with shrimp dip?

Crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or raw vegetables like celery and cucumber work well.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Sure! Garlic and herb or chive-flavored cream cheese adds even more depth to the dip.

How do I make it less rich?

Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream, and reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly for a lighter version.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or certified GF crackers.

How do I keep the dip warm at a party?

Serve in a small slow cooker on the warm setting or use a warming tray to keep the dip hot.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This dip scales up easily—just adjust the baking time slightly if making a larger batch.

Conclusion

Shrimp Dip is a versatile, delicious appetizer that’s perfect for everything from casual game days to elegant cocktail parties. Whether you whip it up cold and creamy or bake it until golden and bubbly, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. Keep it in your party playbook—you’ll be glad you did.

Shrimp Dip