Looking for a party-perfect appetizer that takes minutes to make and always gets rave reviews? This shrimp dip with cream cheese is a classic! It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with savory shrimp flavor, perfect for spreading on crackers, crostini, or even scooping with celery sticks.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, holiday party, or just need a quick snack, this dip is easy to whip up and totally addictive. Serve it chilled or warm—it’s a retro favorite that never goes out of style!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream (or mayo, for a richer dip)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (fresh or canned, drained and patted dry)
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + garlic powder)
- 1–2 tbsp green onion or chives, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: extra shrimp, paprika, or fresh dill
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Creamy Shrimp Dip Success
- Soften cream cheese ahead of time so it blends smoothly—no lumps!
- Chop shrimp small for even flavor and scoopable texture.
- Want it spicy? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- For extra seafood flair, mix in a spoonful of cocktail sauce or horseradish.
- Serve chilled or warm it in the oven for a melty, bubbly version!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or mayo
- Use crab meat or a mix of shrimp and crab for a seafood combo
- Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) for a baked dip
- Stir in dill pickles or capers for a tangy twist
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or hand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Serving bowl or baking dish
- Crackers, chips, or veggies for dipping
🕒 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make up to 2 days ahead—store covered in the fridge
- Let sit at room temp 15 minutes before serving if serving cold
- To warm: bake in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
- Keeps in the fridge up to 4 days
🔥 How to Make Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese
1️⃣ Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and seasonings. Blend until smooth and fluffy.
2️⃣ Stir in Shrimp & Onions
Fold in the chopped shrimp and green onions (and garlic, if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Serve or Bake
- To serve cold: Spoon into a serving bowl, top with paprika, dill, or extra shrimp.
- To serve warm: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese (optional), and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in microwave or oven if baked
- Not recommended for freezing (cream cheese texture may change)
🦐 Creamy, Classic & Crowd-Pleasing
This shrimp dip with cream cheese is creamy, zesty, and totally scoopable. It’s the kind of party food people hover around and ask for the recipe. Plus, it’s ready in minutes with zero stress—just the way we like it.
Made it? Let me know if you served it hot or cold—and what you dipped in it! 🧄🦐
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