Spicy Shrimp Dip is so creamy and cheesy and makes a great appetizer for New Year’s or game day. It’s full of diced shrimp and flavored with both cajun seasoning plus red pepper flakes for plenty of spice.
I am a huge lover of shrimp and I recently made the move to Charleston, SC and live just a few miles from the coast and a fabulous fresh seafood store. So be prepared for lots and lots of shrimp recipes. The shrimp I get here are so fresh and delicious, it would be a crime to not cook them at least once a week. Some other shrimp dips I love are Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Dip and Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Dip.
Type Of Shrimp To Use
This shrimp dip is full of diced shrimp so it’s best to use very fresh shrimp if possible. If not I would buy frozen shrimp and be sure to defrost them and then blot them well with paper towels to get rid of any excess moisture.
Creamy, Cheesy Base
A combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise makes this dip supremely creamy. And lots of mozzarella cheese plus some Parmesan cheese give it lots of gooey cheese flavor. I like how well mozzarella melts in a dip, but you could also use Monterey Jack cheese or a combo of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
How To Serve
I like to serve Spicy Shrimp Dip with toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips. This dip really packs the flavor and if you are a fan of shrimp, you will have a hard time pulling yourself away from it. It will be a hit at your next party!
Have leftovers? A little tastes great mixed into an egg scramble or as an omelet filling.
Recipe Tip
In Step 5 of the recipe, be sure to undercook the shrimp slightly. It will cook more in the oven and you don’t want it to get overcooked.
Storage
Seafood is highly perishable so I don’t recommend keeping leftovers for longer then 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Dip Favorites
- Spicy Sausage Cheese Dip
- Vidalia Onion Dip
- Hot Crab Dip
- Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip
- Neiman Marcus Dip
- Mississippi Sin Dip
- Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
Spicy Shrimp Dip
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds fresh medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, (If desired leave the tails on 3 shrimp to put on top of the dip)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 green onions, white and green parts sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons Creole or cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) pacakge cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Set the 3 shrimp with tails left on aside and cut remaining shrimp into bite-sized pieces. (I cut each shrimp in 3 to 4 pieces).
- Add butter to a large nonstick pan and place over medium-high heat.
- Add red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add green onion, shrimp (including the 3 whole shrimp) and garlic. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Shrimp will cook more in the oven so you want it just barely cooked through or even slightly undercooked. Transfer mixture to a bowl to cool slightly. Return the 3 whole shrimp to the pan to cook a little longer if they need it. You want them fully cooked.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon or hand-held electric mixer to mix until smooth.
- Add remaining Creole seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, shrimp mixture, and both cheeses and hand mix together.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Garnish with the 3 whole shrimp and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally posted December 27, 2017. Updated with new content.
It does look amazing. I will Pin it so I will have the recipe. Thanks so much!!
Oh . My. Goodness. I love shrimp and spicy foods. Will be making soon. Also, I noticed you have a Spicy Sausage Dip. On the Hot Rotel Tomatos, is that the Hot Rotel tomatoes with green chiles? Or is there one with just tomatoes because I havent seen that ?
Yes, the one with green chilies. 🙂
What did everyone serve this with? Crackers, crostini, veggies???
I am thinking of serving it over baked potatoes! If I serve it as a dip, crostini or any crusty bread would be my choice, but I think tortilla chips would also work well.
I offered crostini, wheat scoops, and garlic/Parmesan pita chips. All worked well!
can this be prepared and baked the next day.
Yes!! 🙂
Could this be turned into a meal by adding pasta? Sounds too good to have just as an appetizer.
I think you are onto something Jessica! I’m thinking it would be good and I might have to try it myself soon!
For the Super Bowl, my son wants to have all different appetizers instead of a meal. He LOVES seafood and cheese, so this luscious sounding recipe is on the menu. Thanks so much.
My family is not a fan of Mayo, what can we use in the place of mayo?
You can try substituting Greek yogurt.
Can you make ahead and then throw into oven when you get to destination?
Yes. 🙂
Does the recipe call for one and a half pounds of shrimp?
It calls for one and a quarter pounds of shrimp but 1 pound is enough. Going a little over a pound will ensure that there is shrimp in pretty much every bite.
This is fantastic! Everyone loved it and I had several requests for the recipe.
So good to hear Cindy!