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The Best Homemade Shrimp Dip Recipe – Creamy, Tangy, and Party-Ready

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed (small to medium shrimp are ideal)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (adds gloss and richness)
  • 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (Frank’s or similar), to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a pinch of paprika and celery salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional but brightens the dip)
  • Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon (optional, for extra lift)
  • For serving: Butter crackers, baguette slices, tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the cooked shrimp dry with paper towels. Chop finely so there are small pieces in every bite. If using larger shrimp, aim for pea-sized bits to avoid stringy chunks.
  2. Soften the base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This step keeps the dip from feeling heavy.
  3. Build the creaminess: Add sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix until fully combined and silky with no lumps.
  4. Layer the flavor: Stir in horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust heat and tang now.
  5. Fold in the shrimp and herbs: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, green onion, and dill or parsley. Avoid overmixing so the shrimp pieces stay intact.
  6. Brighten it up: Add lemon zest if using. Taste again and tweak with a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra dash of hot sauce as needed.
  7. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours. The flavors meld and the texture sets.
  8. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with extra green onion or dill, and serve with your favorite dippers.