Name: Shrimp Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Creamy, savory, and bursting with coastal flavor, this Shrimp Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every gathering. Whether you’re entertaining during the holidays, game day, or simply having friends over for a casual hangout, this dip makes a delicious and elegant impression without any fuss.

What makes this shrimp dip special is its balance of fresh, briny shrimp with creamy, tangy ingredients that deliver richness in every bite. Pair it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crunchy vegetables, and watch it disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Dip

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile: Serve it hot or cold depending on your mood or the occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.
Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, picnics, or dinner parties.
Customizable: You can easily spice it up or mellow it out based on your preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the creamiest, most flavorful shrimp dip, having the right tools on hand makes a big difference:

Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your creamy base with the shrimp and seasonings evenly.
Electric Hand Mixer or Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, whipped texture for the cream cheese and sour cream combo.
Rubber Spatula: For folding in delicate ingredients like chopped shrimp without overmixing.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these to finely chop the cooked shrimp and herbs.
Serving Bowl and Tray: A shallow bowl allows for easy scooping, while a platter for crackers or veggies completes the presentation.

Preparation is all about simplicity: cook and chop your shrimp, mix the base until fluffy, fold everything together, and chill if desired. Easy, elegant, and always satisfying.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Dip

Each ingredient in this dip serves a purpose, building layers of texture and flavor:

Cooked Shrimp: The star of the show—chopped small for bite-sized bursts of seafood goodness. Choose fresh or frozen, but make sure it’s well-drained.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and structure, creating the creamy base that holds everything together.
Sour Cream: Lightens the texture of the dip while adding a subtle tang.
Mayonnaise: Provides an extra smoothness and a mellow flavor that balances the tangy and savory notes.
Green Onions: Bring a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the seafood flavor with brightness and acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little goes a long way—this ingredient brings a deep umami punch.
Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste—a final touch that makes all the other flavors shine.
Fresh Chives (optional): For garnish and a pop of green.

How To Make the Shrimp Dip

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend into a smooth, lump-free base.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp and Onions

Fold in the finely chopped cooked shrimp and sliced green onions using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain texture.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

If you have the time, cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, top with fresh chives. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crisp vegetables.

Serving and Storing Shrimp Dip

Shrimp Dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For an elegant appetizer, spoon it into a shallow bowl and surround it with toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, or an assortment of fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, and carrot sticks. It’s equally at home on a charcuterie board or served solo at a cocktail party.

This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. If you’re serving a crowd, you can keep it chilled over a bowl of ice to ensure it stays fresh. Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to refresh the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave shrimp dip out at room temperature?

You can leave it out for up to 2 hours. If the room is warm, reduce that to 1 hour to maintain freshness and safety.

Can I use canned shrimp instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, canned shrimp works in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and give it a good chop. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make shrimp dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it often tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

What if I want to serve it warm?

While traditionally served cold, you can gently warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until just heated through. Avoid overheating, as the shrimp can become rubbery.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or certified GF crackers if needed.

Can I freeze shrimp dip?

It’s not recommended. The creamy base can become grainy and separate when thawed. Best to enjoy it fresh!

Want More Dip Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Shrimp Dip, you’ll want to try these other creative and savory dips:

Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for a bold kick and southwestern flair.
Avocado Boat Dip when you’re craving something creamy and refreshing.
Rotel Chicken Salad Dip with a tangy twist and hearty texture.
Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to spice up your seafood platters.
Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip for a Mediterranean-inspired bite.

Save This Pin For Later

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And if you try it out, let me know how yours turned out! Did you use fresh shrimp or frozen? Add a bit of hot sauce for extra flair? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

For more delicious recipes like this, be sure to follow my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate – American Recipes By Heart