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Shrimp Rotel Dip Recipe - Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces (51/60 or 41/50 size works well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (mild or hot), undrained
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onion, for garnish
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, brightens the flavor)
  • Chips, crackers, or sliced baguette, for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and chop into small, bite-size pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly in the dip.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp: Sprinkle in the shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the shrimp just turn pink. Don’t overcook; they’ll finish in the creamy mixture.
  4. Season it: Add paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Stir to coat the shrimp and onions with the spices.
  5. Pour in Rotel: Add the entire can of Rotel with its juices. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
  6. Melt the cream cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until smooth and fully melted. Keep the heat gentle to prevent scorching.
  7. Add shredded cheese and sour cream: Stir in the cheddar and sour cream until the mixture is creamy and unified. Taste and adjust salt or heat as needed.
  8. Finish and garnish: If you like, add a squeeze of lime for brightness. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onion.
  9. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving bowl or keep in a small slow cooker on warm. Pair with sturdy tortilla chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.