Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry, and ensure they're fully cooked before adding to the dip. The pre-cooked frozen variety makes this recipe even simpler – just thaw, chop if desired, and mix in.

Is there a substitute for cocktail sauce?

If you don't have cocktail sauce, you can make a quick version by mixing 3/4 cup ketchup with 2-3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust to taste – the horseradish provides that essential zing.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! Prepare the mixture as directed, then transfer to a greased slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours until everything is melted and hot. This is perfect for keeping the dip warm during longer gatherings.

How do I know when the dip is done baking?

The dip is ready when it's bubbling around the edges and has a slight golden color on top. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch. Since all ingredients are pre-cooked, you're primarily looking for proper melting and heating rather than cooking.

Shrimp Dip Recipe - YummyHere

Name: Shrimp Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces low-fat cream cheese (2 bricks); 1 cup low-fat sour cream; ½ cup light mayonnaise; 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cocktail sauce; ¾ cup chopped green onion; 2 cups cooked shrimp meat, peeled and deveined, tails removed

This irresistible Shrimp Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with succulent shrimp and zesty cocktail sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, game day celebrations, or anytime you need a spectacular appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy base, tangy cocktail sauce, and tender shrimp creates a warm, gooey dip that will have everyone asking for your recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in 25 minutes with minimal hands-on time – perfect when you need something impressive but don’t have hours to spare.
Always a Hit: I’ve never seen this dip fail to disappear at gatherings. Something about the combination of creamy cheese and shrimp makes it universally appealing.
Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste – add more cocktail sauce for tang, throw in some hot sauce for heat, or mix up your cheese selections.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive. Less stress, more enjoyment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream Cheese: Creates that luxurious, velvety base. Using low-fat works perfectly and nobody will notice the difference.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps achieve that perfect creamy texture without being too heavy.
Mayonnaise: Just enough to enrich the dip without overpowering the other flavors. The light version keeps things from getting too rich.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that amazing stretch factor when you dip in. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre-packaged.
Cocktail Sauce: The secret weapon! Brings a perfect balance of tomato, horseradish and spices that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Green Onions: Add fresh flavor and a pop of color. They provide just enough bite without overwhelming the seafood.
Shrimp: The star of the show! Make sure they’re properly cleaned and deveined with tails removed so the dip is easy to eat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give your dip some heat. Chopped jalapeños also work wonders if you want visible spice.

Cheese Swaps

Try substituting part of the mozzarella with pepper jack for a kick, or mix in some smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile.

Seafood Medley

Turn this into a seafood extravaganza by adding some lump crab meat or even finely chopped scallops along with the shrimp.

Mediterranean Twist

Mix in some chopped artichoke hearts, a handful of feta cheese, and a few tablespoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

How to Make Shrimp Dip

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mozzarella cheese. Pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps.

Step 2: Mix in Flavors

Transfer the cheese mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the cocktail sauce until you get beautiful swirls of red throughout the creamy base. Add the chopped green onions and mix gently to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Bake

Fold in the cooked shrimp, being careful not to break them up too much. You want substantial pieces in every bite! Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle with a little extra cheese if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is thoroughly heated and bubbling around the edges with a slightly golden top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for about 5 minutes (this stuff is molten when it first comes out!), then serve with your favorite dipping vessels. The slight cooling time also helps the dip set up perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. It will blend much more smoothly than if used straight from the refrigerator.
Shrimp Prep: Pat the shrimp dry before adding them to the mixture. Extra moisture can make your dip watery.
Cheese Grating: Always grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can affect how it melts.
Even Baking: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the dish halfway through baking for even melting and browning.

How to Serve

Perfect Dippers

This dip pairs magnificently with sturdy pita chips, bagel chips, or wonton crisps. Tortilla chips work well too, but choose the sturdier variety that won’t break when scooping up this rich dip.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, serve this dip in the center of a large platter surrounded by various dippers, with some fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over individual portions.

Complete the Spread

When serving as part of an appetizer spread, balance the richness with some lighter options like a veggie platter, marinated olives, or a crisp green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble this dip up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making day-two dip sometimes even better than day one!

Reheating

The microwave works for quick reheating of small portions. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).

Freezing is not recommended for this dip as the dairy components can separate and the texture becomes grainy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry, and ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the dip. The pre-cooked frozen variety makes this recipe even simpler – just thaw, chop if desired, and mix in.
Is there a substitute for cocktail sauce?

If you don’t have cocktail sauce, you can make a quick version by mixing 3/4 cup ketchup with 2-3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust to taste – the horseradish provides that essential zing.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! Prepare the mixture as directed, then transfer to a greased slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours until everything is melted and hot. This is perfect for keeping the dip warm during longer gatherings.
How do I know when the dip is done baking?

The dip is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and has a slight golden color on top. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch. Since all ingredients are pre-cooked, you’re primarily looking for proper melting and heating rather than cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Dip is more than just an appetizer – it’s a guaranteed conversation starter that brings people together around the table. The contrast between the creamy, cheesy base and the tender shrimp creates something truly special that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or an intimate gathering, this dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try at your next get-together – just be prepared to share the recipe!