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Shrimp Cream Cheese Dip - A Crowd-Pleasing, Cozy Appetizer

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  • Sour cream (1/2 cup) or plain Greek yogurt
  • Cooked shrimp, chopped (1 to 1 1/2 cups; 8–12 ounces). Small or medium shrimp work best.
  • Shredded cheese (3/4 cup), such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar
  • Green onions (2–3), thinly sliced
  • Garlic (1–2 cloves), minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Lemon (zest and 1–2 teaspoons juice)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Hot sauce (a few dashes) or a pinch of cayenne
  • Old Bay seasoning or paprika (1 teaspoon; optional but recommended)
  • Fresh parsley or dill (1–2 tablespoons), chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon), for sautéing
  • Optional add-ins: finely diced red bell pepper, a splash of white wine (1 tablespoon), or a spoonful of prepared horseradish for kick
  • For serving: crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, tortilla chips, celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp. If using raw shrimp, peel, devein, and chop into small pieces. Pat dry. If using cooked or frozen shrimp, thaw fully and blot dry to avoid a watery dip.
  2. Sauté for flavor. Warm the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes (just until opaque for raw shrimp, or 1 minute to warm for pre-cooked). Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Optional: splash in white wine and let it cook off. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. Blend the base. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add Worcestershire, lemon zest and juice, hot sauce, and Old Bay or paprika. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  4. Fold in the good stuff. Stir in the sautéed shrimp (plus any pan juices), half the shredded cheese, green onions, and herbs. If using red bell pepper or horseradish, add now.
  5. Choose your path: warm or chilled. For a warm, melty dip: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with remaining shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Broil 1–2 minutes for a golden top if you like.
  6. For a chilled dip: Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.
  7. Serve. Set out with crackers, crostini, or crisp vegetables. Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze over the top.