This Shrimp Dip Recipe will remind you of the retro shrimp dip you had as a child or is often served at parties, New Years Eve or Christmas celebrations. This dip is creamy with a hint of spice. Canned salad shrimp, cream cheese, mayo, hot sauce, spices and chives make this such a rich, delicious appetizer.
Have you been in one of those situations where you are so busy preparing food for a party or holiday that you don’t have much time to put together the appetizer?
We have all been there! Today’s Shrimp Dip Recipe is a quick and easy dip you can make in under 10 minutes. I serve it cold bu you could easily create a hot shrimp dip by topping it with some Parmesan cheese or sharp cheddar cheese and baking it until bubbling.
When I think of shrimp dip I think of a retro recipe that you might have seen as a kid on the table at a Christmas Eve celebration.
It is a great appetizer for game day, your next party or a holiday celebration!
I love delicious dips that I can whip up easily. This recipe uses canned shrimp but you can use fresh, cooked shrimp that is chopped too.
Salad Shrimp: This is great with canned tiny shrimp, but you can also use small cooked shrimp and just chop them smaller.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese works great but feel free to use whatever you would like. I suggest setting it out to soften for a bit before making this dip.
Mayonnaise: This recipe uses mayonnaise to create the creaminess. You can also use sour cream instead.
Lemon: You will use one fresh lemon- the juice and zest from it.
Chives: The chives add a nice herby flavor. If you don’t have chives you can use green onion.
Hot Sauce: I prefer Slap Yo Mama but any southern hot sauce in a bottle is fine.
Garlic: You can use garlic powder or fresh garlicthat is finely minced.
Bell Pepper: The green bell pepper and red bell pepper gives some nice crunch and texture to the dip along with color.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below.
Ways to Modify Shrimp Dip
Spice: If you don’t like hot sauce or don’t want the dip to be spicy you can use cocktail sauce instead. If you like spice try using a cajun seasoning or creole seasoning to create a cajun shrimp dip. You could also use crushed red pepper flakes or chili sauce.
Shrimp: I used canned shrimp but you can use fresh, cooked shrimp and just chopped it up.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really make this dip extra tasty. You can use parsley, cilantro, parsley or chives.
Cheese: Cheese is another nice addition, especially if you are creating a warm shrimp dip. Try adding pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese.
Vegetables: Additional vegetables are a great option in this dip. Try corn, chopped jalapeños or poblanos for spice or celery.
How to Make Shrimp Dip
Step 1: Mix Dip Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, zest, parsley, chives, Slap Yo Mama hot sauce, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Add Bell Pepper: Add the red and green pepper and the shrimp and stir.
Step 3: Garnish: Sprinkle a few shrimp on top and a few dashes of hot sauce. Serve with chips or crackers
Step 4: Serve: Serve with crackers, vegetables, baguette or crostini.
Storage Tips
You can store this dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I do not suggest freezing this dip because of the cream cheese and mayo.
Recipe FAQ
Should I eat this dip hot or cold?
This dip is great either way- cold or heated up. I tend to serve this one cold but you can easily make this a hot dip. If you want to eat a hot shrimp dip I suggest topping it with some cheese or breadcrumbs for an added layer of texture and flavor. I like Parmesan cheese or other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Then I suggest baking it for about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees F or until it is bubbling.
Should I use fresh, frozen or canned shrimp?
If you want a quick way to add shrimp to this dip you can use canned shrimp. Fresh shrimp provides the best flavor, but frozen (thawed) also will work. If using canned shrimp, drain and rinse it well to remove excess salt.
What can I serve with this dip?
There are a lot of option like crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers pair well.
This Shrimp Dip Recipe will remind you of the retro shrimp dip you had as a child or is often served at parties, New Years Eve or Christmas celebrations. This dip is creamy with a hint of spice. Canned salad shrimp, cream cheese, mayo, hot sauce, spices and chives make this such a rich, delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
1 – 8ouncecream cheese
1/3cupmayonnaise {or use sour cream or 1/2 sour cream and 1/2 Greek yogurt}
Juice and zest from 1 lemon
1tablespoonminced chives {or sub in green onions}
1tablespoonparsley, minced
2tablespoonsSlap Yo Mama hot sauce or hot sauce of your choice
1/4teaspoongarlic powder
1/3cupgreen pepper, diced
1/3cupred pepper, diced
3 – 4ouncecans salad shrimp, drained (save a few for garnish) or use fresh, cooked shrimp that are chopped
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, zest, parsley, chives, Slap Yo Mama hot sauce, and garlic powder.
Add the red and green pepper and the shrimp and stir.
Sprinkle a few shrimp on top and a few dashes of hot sauce. Serve with chips or crackers.
I'm Julia. Wife, mom to three growing boys, lover of food. Here you will find quick & easy weeknight meal ideas, kid-friendly recipes and a few sweet treats. My roots are from the Mediterranean and many of my recipes incorporate those flavors!
