Description
This creamy and tangy Shrimp Dip combines smooth cream cheese with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, folded together with tender cooked shrimp for a perfect appetizer. Paired with cocktail sauce and crackers, it’s a crowd-pleasing snack great for parties or casual gatherings. The dip is easy to prepare ahead of time and chilled to develop its flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more to serve
Shrimp
- 8 oz. cooked shrimp (shells and tails removed, chopped)
Toppings and Serving
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- Crackers, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Dip Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then add the sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- Prepare the Shrimp: If not already done, remove the shells and tails from the cooked shrimp. Chop the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.
- Combine Shrimp with Dip: Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the chopped shrimp into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer the combined dip into a shallow, wide serving bowl and smooth the surface into an even layer. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, top the chilled dip evenly with cocktail sauce and garnish with additional chopped parsley. Serve alongside crackers for dipping and enjoy as an appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- You can substitute the shrimp with 8 oz. of chopped smoked salmon for a delicious breakfast bagel spread.
- Make the dip up to a day in advance for convenience and deeper flavor.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing.
- Use cocktail sauce with your preferred spice level to customize the dip’s kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
