Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Every host needs a go-to party recipe like this shrimp dip with cream cheese. As with many of our favorite dip recipes, this one has a cream cheese base that is smooth and rich but never heavy, thanks to its natural tangy flavor. We absolutely love the slight sweetness that shrimp adds to a savory cheese dip, and the shrimp are decadent and special without making extra work for the chef (psst: the recipe calls for canned!).

Since the entire dip comes together in one bowl in just a few minutes, it’s truly an easy appetizer. Serve shrimp and cream cheese dip at a potluck, dinner party or holiday—casual or fancy—and watch it disappear in a flash.

Ingredients for Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese: You can use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese here. Leave it at room temperature to soften before making the dip so it is easier to stir and blend all the ingredients.
• Lemon juice: Liven up the creamy cheese with a dash of lemon juice. The acid will bring out the tangy flavor of the cheese.
• Worcestershire sauce: A dash of this potent sauce adds loads of umami flavor to the dip. Since shrimp are fairly sweet, this dip can handle the savory kick.
• Seasonings: Salt and white pepper are the only seasonings required for this dip recipe. Some people prefer white pepper’s invisibility in a pale dish like this, but you can certainly use black pepper instead.
• Canned small shrimp: Want to know how to make the easiest shrimp recipes? Use canned shrimp! They’re cleaned, peeled and ready to eat. Just drain the can and rinse the shrimp under cool water.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds zippy flavor and some welcome crunch.
• Assorted crackers: Serve the dip with your favorite crackers. It can even stand up to stronger flavors like dark or grainy crackers.

Directions

Step 1: Whip up the dip base

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until smooth.

Step 2: Add the shrimp

Gently fold in the shrimp and onion until evenly mixed through the dip.

Step 3: Chill the dip

Refrigerate until serving. Serve with crackers.

Editor’s Tip: Let the dip sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and develop, which is a good reason to make this appetizer in advance!

Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes

Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese Variations

• Spice it up: The mild shrimp and cream cheese flavors can accommodate many added spices. Turn up the heat by adding cayenne, horseradish or a dash of hot sauce. Add an Italian herb blend for earthy flavor, smoked paprika for a barbecue-style smokiness, cumin for warmth or seasoned salt for extra pizzazz.
• Add a garnish: A sprinkling of minced fresh herbs would make this dip even more appealing to look at and to eat! Try parsley, chives, dill or cilantro. If you’re an olive lover, try adding chopped olives.
• Think outside the cracker box: Fresh vegetable crudites would be delicious with the dip: Try carrots, peppers, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. Breadsticks, pita crackers, chips or pretzels are tasty too.

How to Store Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Keep the shrimp cream cheese dip in the fridge. Either cover the bowl tightly or transfer it to an airtight container.

How long does shrimp cream cheese dip last?

Refrigerated shrimp dip lasts three or four days. To keep it fresher longer, don’t dunk crackers or veggies directly into the dip. Instead, spoon the dip onto plates or into small bowls when serving.

Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese Tips

Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes

Can you make shrimp dip with shrimp you cook yourself?

Yes, you can cook the shrimp for this dip! If you’re buying raw shrimp, whether fresh or frozen, you’ll need to clean the shrimp before cooking. First, remove the head and tail. Then peel off the skin. Rinse under cool water, then cook the shrimp. Stick with a simple boil or poach on the stovetop for this dip. Once they turn pink and curl into a C shape, move them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, then drain and dry them off before using. If using larger shrimp, finely chop them into small pieces.

What can you serve with shrimp dip with cream cheese?

The best part of shrimp and cream cheese dip? How versatile it is! This creamy, rich dip is welcome at any potluck, from the most casual football party to a fancy holiday spread. Or, serve the dip as an appetizer for a dinner party. Pair it with crackers or vegetables and a fruit plate, then serve a seafood dinner: Think seared salmon or roasted cod. If you have leftover shrimp dip, stuff it into mushroom caps and top it with bread crumbs, broil for a few minutes, and have another appetizer or snack for dinner.