Shrimp cocktail dip is a fun twist on the classic shrimp cocktail appetizer. A rich cream cheese based dip is topped with cocktail sauce, shrimp and green onions. Served with crackers or crostini to dip this is the ultimate dip for seafood lovers!
Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe
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This is my Mom's famous shrimp cocktail dip that she's been making for years for holiday gatherings, game days, potlucks and more. We always love to serve shrimp cocktail at get togethers and it's fun to switch things up a bit! This dip is a fun variation that your guests will devour.
What is Shrimp Cocktail Dip
This dip features all the classic flavors of shrimp cocktail with the addition of a lemony cream cheese dip! Cream cheese is combined with lemon juice to make a rich, creamy, and tangy cheese dip. The dip is topped with cocktail sauce and cooked small shrimp. Finished off with chives or green onions for a pop of color, this is a unique dip you will love!
More Fun Dips!
- Bacon Pepper Jelly Dip
- Hot Crab Red Pepper Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Crab Rangoon Dip
Ingredients
- Shrimp - this is such a quick and easy recipe as you can use store bought frozen cooked shrimp. They just need to be thawed and drained for the recipe.
- Cocktail Sauce - we love cocktail sauce! You can use store bought or homemade. Sweet or spicy works great for this recipe!
- Cream Cheese - the creamy base of the dip.
- Lemon Juice - a splash of lemon juice is mixed into the cream cheese to give the dip a pop of lemon flavour.
- Green Onions or Chives - you can use either green onions or chives to top the dip. They add a great pop of color and flavor to the dip!
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Full Printable Recipe at Bottom of page
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that it is softened, or microwave on a plate for 15-30 seconds to soften the cheese. Add the softened cream cheese and lemon juice to a small bowl. You can use a spoon in a small bowl or a handheld mixer to mix until the cream cheese is smooth and creamy. Evenly spread the mixture into a serving dish.
- Spread the cocktail sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Place the cooked shrimp evenly on the top of the cocktail sauce. (Note: if using frozen shrimp ensure they are thawed and drained very well).
- Top the dip with sliced chives or green onions. Serve with crackers, crostini or slices of baguette and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Dip
- Cream Cheese - be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. You want the cheese to be very soft so that you can easily stir the lemon juice into the cheese. Leave the cream cheese on the counter for about 15 minutes, or you can microwave it on a microwave safe plate for 15-30 seconds until soft to the touch.
- Shrimp - we recommend using small shrimp or baby shrimp for this recipe so that you can serve them whole on top of the dip and they will fit on a cracker or crostini. When shopping for the shrimp look for shrimp sized at the bag of frozen shrimp look for size 41/50, 51-60, 71-90, or baby shrimp. You can use frozen fully cooked shrimp, just thaw them and drain them very well.
- Cocktail Sauce - we love to use regular mild cocktail sauce for this recipe but you can also swap for a hot and spicy cocktail sauce instead. For a fun extra spicy twist you can use a spicy jalapeno cream cheese!
FAQ
Cover the dip with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days (check the best before date on your cheese and adjust accordingly).
Yes! This dip is perfect for make ahead. Follow the recipe as per usual and store the dip in the fridge covered up to 1 day in advance of serving.
We do not recommend freezing this dip as the base is dairy which tends to split when frozen and thawed.
The dip is naturally gluten free. Serve the dip with gluten free chips, crackers or pita bread.
Use a dairy free cream cheese spread.
More Easy Appetizers
- Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Spinach Artichoke Dip Ring
- Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups
- Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes
Enjoy!
- Sab
Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked small shrimp (see notes below)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, 250 grams, 1 brick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cup cocktail sauce
- ¼ cup chives (or green onion, finely sliced)
Instructions
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that it is softened, or microwave on a plate for 15-30 seconds to soften the cheese. Add the softened cream cheese and lemon juice to a small bowl. You can use a spoon in a small bowl or a handheld mixer to mix until the cream cheese is smooth and creamy. Evenly spread the mixture into a serving dish.
- Spread the cocktail sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Place the cooked shrimp evenly on the top of the cocktail sauce. (Note: if using frozen shrimp ensure they are thawed and drained very well).
- Top the dip with sliced chives or green onions. Serve with crackers, crostini or slices of baguette and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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