📝 About This Recipe
This luxurious Hot Shrimp Dip is a coastal classic that marries succulent, butter-sautéed shrimp with a velvety, three-cheese base. Infused with a hint of Old Bay seasoning and a touch of bright citrus, it strikes the perfect balance between decadent comfort and fresh seafood flair. Whether you are hosting a summer soirée or a cozy winter gathering, this bubbling, golden-brown appetizer is guaranteed to be the star of the table.
🥗 Ingredients
The Seafood
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed; chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
The Creamy Base
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat preferred for richness)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt for a slight tang)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce (adjust to taste preference)
The Cheese and Aromatics
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, for the perfect cheese pull)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 3 pieces Green Onions (thinly sliced, whites and greens separated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate with butter or non-stick spray.
-
2
Pat the chopped shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly rather than steaming in the pan.
-
3
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with the Old Bay seasoning.
-
4
Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they just turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using a spatula or hand mixer.
-
6
Fold in the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce until well combined.
-
7
Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, the white parts of the green onions, and 1 tablespoon of the fresh parsley.
-
8
Gently fold the sautéed shrimp (and any flavored butter left in the pan) into the creamy cheese mixture.
-
9
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
-
10
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a savory crust.
-
11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
-
12
For an extra golden finish, turn the broiler on for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
-
13
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dip to set slightly so it's easier to scoop.
-
14
Garnish with the remaining green onion tops and fresh parsley before serving warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use block cheese and shred it yourself; pre-shredded cheeses are coated in potato starch which prevents a smooth melt. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or double the amount of hot sauce. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid a lumpy texture in your base. To save time, you can assemble the dip (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance; just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. Don't over-process the shrimp; keeping them in bite-sized chunks provides a much better textural experience than a paste.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or sourdough crostini for a sturdy crunch. Pair with crisp celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a low-carb, refreshing alternative. Accompany with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness. Offer buttery Ritz crackers or pita chips for a classic party feel. A side of quick-pickled red onions provides a wonderful acidic contrast to the creamy dip.