Cheesy Hot Shrimp Dip

Looking for a new appetizer to serve for your next get-together? This hot shrimp dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with shrimp! This easy dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with your favorite dippers for parties, game days, or any occasion when you need a delicious and irresistible snack.

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I am always on the lookout for easy, yet tasty dishes to serve for guests! This baked shrimp dip with cream cheese doesn't disappoint! It's perfect for all occasions -- from winter holidays to game days and family dinners.

It's so easy to make. In just a few simple steps, you'll whip up a dip that will have your guests coming back for more. Even better, it tastes great and is easy enough to make for a crowd too!

It works great as the centerpiece for a display of all types of crackers, breads, and veggies. I love to serve it as an appetizer when guests arrive along with some cocktails such as this pomegranate margarita or my cranberry mojito.

If you prefer cold dips, you will love this cold shrimp dip! It's also creamy and delicious, and works great for groups.

Are you ready to dive into this delightful combination of flavors? Let's get started and you will discover a taste sensation that's impossible to resist.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• Variations
• How to Make Hot Shrimp Dip
• Storage Tips
• Serving Tips and Ideas
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• More Party Recipes
• Cheesy Hot Shrimp Dip

Ingredients

Here's a look at the simple ingredients you will need to gather together to make this simple cheesy hot shrimp dip.

• Butter: Unsalted butter works best so you can control the saltiness of the dish. If you decide to use salted butter I suggest tasting the dip before adding any salt. You will get some saltiness added from the seasoning you add and the cheese, and you don't want it overly salty.
• Shrimp: Use medium-sized shrimp without the tail. Choose peeled and deveined to make the prep easier.
• Green onion: Use the white and green part of the green onion.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds more flavor than powdered! 
• Cream cheese: Choose your favorite brand and make sure to let it sit at room temperature to warm up a bit.
• Creaminess: For flavor and a more creamy texture we will be adding mayonnaise and sour cream.
• Lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed if possible to add a bit of brightness and notes of tartness to the baked shrimp dip.
• Cheese: Use a combination of parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. If possible buy it in blocks and grate it yourself as it tends to melt better than pre-shredded options.
• Seasoning: You can use either paprika or Old Bay seasoning.

See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and exact quantities of each one.

Substitutions

Here are some easy swaps you can use if you don't have some of the ingredients on hand.

• Shrimp: Instead of fresh shrimp you can use frozen shrimp instead. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator for several hours or by running them under cold water. I don't recommend using pre-cooked shrimp for the dip as the shrimp are more flavorful when cooked with onions and garlic.
• Mayonnaise: If you're not a fan of mayo you can replace it with sour cream instead but it will make for a more tangier flavor and it may alter the consistency just a bit.
• Cheese: You can easily swap out the cheese for other varieties though they may change the color and flavor slightly. Options such as gouda, provolone, and Italian cheese blend are all great tasting options.

Variations

Here are a few ideas for changing up the recipe for a different flavor profile or to fit certain dietary needs.

• Lower Fat Baked Shrimp Dip: You can use a lower-fat or light cream cheese and sour cream but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the dip. In my opinion, it should still be delicious.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want to add some heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, but be mindful not to overdo it, as the dish already has a wonderful blend of flavors.

How to Make Hot Shrimp Dip

Gather all your ingredients, preheat your oven, prep your pan with cooking spray, and let's get started mixing up this creamy baked shrimp dip.

1. Cook the shrimp and green onion in melted butter until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute to release its fragrance and turn off the heat.
2. Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir everything together continuously until the cheese is fully melted.

3. Add a quarter cup of parmesan cheese, a half cup of mozzarella, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
4. Stir together until the cheese is mostly melted.

5. Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the paprika or Old Bay Seasoning on top and add the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake your shrimp and cream cheese dip in your preheated oven, uncovered for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and hot and bubbly. Remove and serve! Enjoy!

⭐️ Hint: Cut the cream cheese up into small cubes and make sure it's a room temperature so that it melts more quickly.

Storage Tips

Store your leftover hot shrimp dip in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven. To heat in the oven return the dip to an oven-safe dish and heat at 325° F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can add a bit more cheese on top if you want.

I don't recommend freezing leftovers as many of the ingredients don't freeze well. If you do freeze it, you may notice a graininess in the texture when reheated.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this hot shrimp dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply follow the baking instructions. Making it ahead is a great option when you are serving it for parties and gatherings.

Serving Tips and Ideas

Here are some of my favorite ways to serv up this baked shrimp dip!

• Enjoy this cheesy shrimp dip with a variety of dippers. You can include tortilla chips, vegetable sticks (like celery and carrots), pita chips, or even toasted baguette slices. For groups large and small, choose a mixture for a more diverse spread.
• For parties, consider serving this hot shrimp dip along with other appetizer favorites such as bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts, Asian turkey meatballs, and this pineapple habanero salsa.
• Gatherings are always better with fun and tasty drinks! Consider this sparkling pomegranate mocktail, pineapple agua fresca, or a guava mimosa.
• Don't forget dessert! My family always loves these chocolate chip snowball cookies, cherry blossom cookies, and chocolate covered raspberries.

⭐️ PRO TIP: This recipe typically makes enough for about 4-6 servings, depending on the portion size. Adjust the quantities by doubling or tripling the recipe accordingly if you're serving a larger crowd.

Expert Tips

• Chop the cream cheese into small cubes before adding it to the skillet so that it will melt more quickly. Adding the mayonnaise and lemon juice at the same time adds some moisture and also helps the cheese melt more quickly.
• Turn the heat off before adding the cream cheese to the skillet. In my experience, the heat from cooking the shrimp usually keeps the skillet warm enough to melt the cream cheese. However, if it doesn't, you can turn it on low briefly. 
• Chop the shrimp as small as you would like. Consider the size you prefer when it's on a cracker after dipping. If you want it extremely finely chopped you could run it through the food processor for a few quick pulses. 

FAQs

More Party Recipes

Did you try this recipe?  Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!