A rich, indulgent, restaurant-worthy appetizer that blends tender shrimp, melty cheeses, garlic, and herbs into one bubbling, golden dip. Served hot with toasted baguette or crackers, this shrimp dip is the kind of appetizer that steals the show at parties, holidays, game nights, or cozy weekends at home.
Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and loaded with succulent shrimp — this is comfort food at its finest.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
(Will vary based on cheese and shrimp amounts.)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Dip
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping
- 4–6 whole shrimp (optional, for garnish)
- Extra mozzarella + Parmesan
- Fresh chives
For Serving
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers
- Pita chips
Tools You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish or ramekin
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Garlic press (optional)
- Knife & board
How to Make Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip
1. Prep the Shrimp
Chop most of the shrimp into small bite-sized pieces.
If using whole shrimp for garnish, leave a few unchopped.
Lightly sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes until just pink.
(Do NOT overcook — they’ll finish in the oven.)
Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesy Base
In a large bowl, mix together:
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- mayonnaise
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
- garlic
- lemon juice
- spices
Blend until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
3. Add the Shrimp
Fold the chopped shrimp into the cheese mixture.
Transfer mixture into an oven-safe dish.
4. Add Toppings
Top with:
- extra mozzarella
- extra Parmesan
- whole shrimp (optional)
This creates that beautiful golden, bubbling crust you see in the photo.
5. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until:
- golden
- bubbly
- lightly browned on top
Sprinkle fresh chives over the hot dip for color and freshness.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Spices:
Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Cheese:
Try Monterey Jack or Gruyère for extra meltiness.
Seafood:
Add crab meat for a luxurious crab-and-shrimp dip.
Yogurt Swap:
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Shrimp Size:
Small shrimp are easier to mix in, but large shrimp make a beautiful topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- toasted baguette
- crostini
- tortilla chips
- pretzel thins
- fresh vegetables
Also pairs beautifully with:
- Chardonnay
- Sparkling water + lemon
- Light salads
Tips for Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth dip.
- Don’t skip lemon juice — it brightens the richness.
- Pre-cook shrimp lightly so they stay tender.
- For extra browning, broil the top for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve immediately for maximum cheesy pull.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
Freezer:
Not recommended — dairy may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned or frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw and drain very well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake when ready.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce.
Q: What size dish should I use?
An 8×8 dish or medium round baking dish works perfectly.
Conclusion
This Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer — warm, melty, rich, and bursting with flavor. From the tender shrimp to the creamy cheese base and the perfectly browned top, this dip always brings people back for seconds (and thirds). It’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining.
Call-to-Action
Tried this recipe? Share your photos or tag your creations on Pinterest — I’d love to see your golden, cheesy shrimp dip fresh out of the oven!
