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Easy Baked Hot Shrimp Dip - Creamy, Cheesy, Party-Perfect

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound small shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup (or Greek yogurt)
  • Mayonnaise:1/4 cup for richness
  • Shredded mozzarella: 1 cup, plus extra for topping
  • Parmesan: 1/3 cup grated
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
  • Hot sauce: 1–2 teaspoons, to taste
  • Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: 1–1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt: To taste (go light if using salty cheese)
  • Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon for sautéing shrimp
  • Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers or canned green chiles; 1 jalapeño, minced
  • For serving: Crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguette, celery sticks

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2–2 quart baking dish.
  2. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Chop into bite-size pieces (about 1/2 inch) for even distribution.
  3. Sauté quickly: Warm olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, a pinch of salt, and half the Old Bay/Cajun seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes until just pink. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth.
  5. Add flavor: Stir in garlic, lemon juice, hot sauce, remaining Old Bay/Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, green onions, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
  6. Fold in shrimp: Gently mix the cooked shrimp into the creamy base. Taste and adjust salt, heat, or lemon.
  7. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with a light layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden crust.
  8. Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and lightly browned on top.
  9. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or a dusting of paprika. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.