Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 41 reviews

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s both classic and irresistibly delicious, you’ve got to try my Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe. It’s like the best parts of shrimp cocktail, all combined into a creamy, flavorful dip that your guests won’t stop talking about. Trust me, once you make this, it quickly becomes my go-to for gatherings — and I have a feeling you’ll love it just as much.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity with Flavor: Minimal ingredients come together for maximum taste in no time.
  • Textural Contrast: Creamy base, tangy cocktail sauce, and tender shrimp create a perfect bite.
  • Versatility: Easy to customize to your spice level or preferred dipping options.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties — seriously, everyone asks for the recipe!
Shrimp Cocktail Dip, shrimp cocktail dip recipe, easy shrimp dip, seafood appetizer dip, party dip recipes - The dish shows three layers in a white bowl with blue leaf patterns. The bottom layer is a creamy white spread with a smooth texture. The middle layer is a bright red sauce that looks thick and slightly shiny. The top layer consists of small cooked shrimp, seasoned with red spices giving them a light orange color, and sprinkled with chopped green onions for a fresh green contrast. The bowl is placed on a light wooden surface with a few green onion pieces scattered around and a knife with some sauce on the blade nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role, balancing creamy, zesty, and savory flavors. When I shop for shrimp cocktail dip, I look for freshly cooked or well-thawed shrimp and a good-quality cocktail sauce because they really bring the flavor forward.

Shrimp Cocktail Dip, shrimp cocktail dip recipe, easy shrimp dip, seafood appetizer dip, party dip recipes - Flat lay of half a pound of cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped, a block of softened cream cheese, a small bunch of fresh green onions thinly sliced, a small white bowl filled with reddish cocktail sauce, a small white bowl containing thick Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl with old bay seasoning powder, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Cooked Shrimp: Provides the star protein with a sweet, briny flavor and great texture; rough chop helps with easy scooping.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds that creamy, rich base making the dip luscious and smooth.
  • Green Onions: Offer a mild oniony crunch and fresh pop of color.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth, tying the flavors together.
  • Cocktail Sauce: Classic tangy, slightly spicy tomato base that screams “shrimp cocktail.”
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Adds that signature seafood seasoning spice that’s essential for authentic flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe depending on the occasion. It’s super easy to customize, and making it your own is half the fun!

  • Spicy Kick: I often stir in a splash of horseradish or a few drops of Tabasco into the cocktail sauce — it gives the dip a zesty punch that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Alternate Shrimp Options: Sometimes I use tiny canned shrimp if I’m in a rush — they work just as well, just be sure to drain really well!
  • Warm Version: Cold dips aren’t everyone’s favorite, so I’ve warmed mine briefly in the oven a few times to take the chill off and get that creamy texture without cooking it through.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Shrimp with Old Bay

First, I toss the roughly chopped shrimp with the Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. This step is crucial because the seasoning clings to every little piece, giving the dip that unmistakable seafood flavor. Take your time to mix thoroughly so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Smooth

Next, I beat the softened cream cheese together with most of the sliced green onions and Worcestershire sauce until it’s ultra smooth. Using a hand mixer here makes the texture silky, which is key to a fuss-free scoop experience. If you don’t soften your cream cheese beforehand, this step can be frustrating — so plan ahead and take it out early!

Step 3: Layer It All Together

Spread the creamy mixture into your serving dish in an even layer. Then, gently spread the cocktail sauce on top, making sure to cover the cream cheese completely but without mixing. Finally, distribute the seasoned shrimp over the surface and sprinkle your remaining green onions for that fresh, inviting look.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

I like to serve this with a variety of dipping options — everything from salty crackers to crisp veggies. It’s always fun to see what people prefer, and honestly, it tastes great no matter your choice.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Softening Your Cream Cheese: I always take it out 30 minutes before making the dip so it whips effortlessly without lumps.
  • Chop Size Matters: I’ve learned that chopping shrimp into bite-sized pieces helps your guests scoop and enjoy without struggling.
  • Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the Old Bay — it’s what makes this dip sing.
  • Balancing Flavors: If your cocktail sauce is too sweet, I add a little extra Worcestershire sauce to sharpen the profile.

How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Dip, shrimp cocktail dip recipe, easy shrimp dip, seafood appetizer dip, party dip recipes - The dish shows one white bowl filled with three visible layers: a bottom layer of dark red sauce, a middle layer of pink and white cooked shrimp coated lightly in red spices, and a top layer of bright green chopped scallions scattered evenly over the shrimp. The textures include soft, plump shrimp with some seasoning powder visible and fresh, crisp scallions. The bowl is on a surface of white marbled texture, next to a semi-circle of pale golden round crackers arranged closely in front of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my dip with the remaining green onions because they add just the right amount of freshness and crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Old Bay or even a few tiny sprigs of fresh dill to fancy it up when guests come over.

Side Dishes

Crackers are of course a classic pairing, but I also enjoy serving this with crisp cucumber slices, celery sticks, or a colorful veggie platter. In my experience, the variety keeps everyone happy and adds a nice balance to the richness of the dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served my Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or even in small individual ramekins for easy grab-and-go portions. It adds a touch of elegance and makes cleanup a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), I store the dip covered tightly in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 days — just give it a gentle stir before serving again to freshen it up.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dip because the cream cheese and cocktail sauce textures can change a bit. However, if you want to freeze, do so without the shrimp and cocktail sauce layers, then add fresh shrimp and sauce when you thaw and serve.

Reheating

Usually, I serve this dip cold, but if you want to warm it, I pop it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes — just long enough to take the chill off without cooking the shrimp. It makes the cream cheese ultra creamy and a little more decadent.

FAQs

  1. Can I use raw shrimp for this Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe?

    This recipe is best with cooked shrimp. If you start with raw shrimp, you’ll need to cook them first by boiling or sautéing. Using pre-cooked shrimp saves time and ensures the texture is perfect for the dip.

  2. What can I serve with shrimp cocktail dip?

    Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sliced veggies like cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers all make fantastic dipping options. I recommend a mix for variety and texture contrast.

  3. Can I make the Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! This dip holds up well refrigerated for a few hours or overnight, which can actually help the flavors meld together nicely. Just wait to add fresh green onions on top until serving if you want them crisp.

  4. How spicy is this dip?

    The base dip is mildly spicy thanks to Old Bay and cocktail sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding horseradish or hot sauce to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together effortless prep, bold flavors, and that classic shrimp cocktail charm we all love. Whenever I make it, it sparks smiles and conversation; it’s just one of those recipes that feels like a warm, delicious hug. I hope you give it a whirl soon — and hey, don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!

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Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 41 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Shrimp Cocktail Dip is a delicious, creamy appetizer featuring cooked shrimp, a smooth cream cheese base, and zesty cocktail sauce, seasoned with Old Bay and green onions. Perfect for parties and easy to prepare within 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Shrimp Mixture

  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp peeled, deveined, thawed & roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 small bunch green onions thinly sliced (divided)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Additional

  • 1 cup cocktail sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine Shrimp and Seasoning: Add the chopped shrimp and Old Bay seasoning to a mixing bowl. Toss them together until evenly combined and the shrimp is well coated.
  2. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, three-quarters of the sliced green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a hand mixer to whip until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread Cream Cheese Base: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into a shallow serving dish or platter.
  4. Add Cocktail Sauce Layer: Spread the cocktail sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Top with Shrimp: Distribute the seasoned shrimp evenly over the cocktail sauce layer.
  6. Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish.
  7. Serve: Offer with your favorite dipping options and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • To simplify, toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and mix directly with cocktail sauce before spreading over the cream cheese layer.
  • If preferred warm, you can heat the dip briefly in the oven just to take the chill off.
  • Fresh or frozen cooked shrimp is recommended, but canned tiny shrimp can be used if well drained and without chopping.
  • For added kick, mix horseradish or Tabasco sauce into the cocktail sauce before layering.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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