Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

A Simple, Savory, and Addictive Shrimp Dip

This cream cheese shrimp dip is literally the easiest dip you will ever make! Even though there is not a whole lot to it, it is delicious and SO addicting. I usually like to buy the shrimp the day of serving, just so it is extra fresh. It is a simple appetizer that always disappears quickly!

I love serving this simple yet elegant shrimp appetizer for family gatherings and holiday get-togethers! It looks especially impressive when put on a fancy plate or serving dish. This flavorful dip has a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor with a nice bit of a “bite.” You’ll love the the textures and flavors of the shrimp with the sauce. Your tastebuds will thank you!

What You Need to Make Shrimp Dip (Only 3 Ingredients!)

This shrimp dip recipe with cream cheese is one of the best and easiest dips to make! It is the perfect choice for a quick and tasty party appetizer at any celebration. The basic ingredients for this dip include:

• Cream cheese – Grab your favorite brand of cream cheese that comes in a rectangular block. Open and place on a serving plate.
• Cocktail sauce – Make your own cocktail sauce or purchase your favorite store-bought sauce.
• Shrimp – You can use canned, fresh, or frozen shrimp with this recipe. You can find fresh shrimp in the seafood/meat department of most grocery stores. Frozen pre-cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp come in a bag in the frozen section. The easiest and most budget-friendly option is canned shrimp, which is typically found near canned tuna fish.
• Optional: If you like lemon on your shrimp, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Tips for Elevating Your Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

If you are needing a quick dip for your next party, this is the dip to bring! It has texture, sweetness, savoriness, and packs a punch of flavor! Elevate and customize the dip to your liking with these tips and variation ideas:

• If you want to make it a little lighter you can use Neufchatel cheese. Neufchatel is a cream cheese made with skim milk, making it a healthier option.
• I like to soften my cream cheese to room temperature before serving. Then I place it on a plate and smooth it out using a knife for a prettier look. This also makes it easier to dip crackers in.
• Go an extra step and use an electric mixer to fluff and whip up the cream cheese before adding it to the plate.
• Get creative with spices. In a medium bowl, mix together green onions, fresh parsley, and garlic powder, and stir into the cream cheese. To add some heat, stir chili sauce or tabasco sauce into your cream cheese mixture. Stir the extra ingredients into the cream cheese with a wooden spoon or hand mixer. Spread the mixture on the plate before layering on the cocktail sauce and shrimp.
• You can use larger shrimp if that is what you have available. Simply chop the shrimp into smaller pieces to layer on the dip.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

A heavier-duty, high quality cracker is best way to go. The cream cheese is soft, but may still break a thin cracker. For the crackers in the picture, I used the Great Value Rosemary Crackers from Walmart. The crackers not only taste delicious with the rosemary seasoning, but they also have a pretty scalloped edge. If you have a favorite thin cracker, simply serve the dip with a knife to spread the dip onto the cracker instead of dipping the cracker into the dip.

• Crackers – Ritz Crackers, Triscuits, Wheat Thins, and Club Crackers all work great.
• Chips – Any thick-cut chip will work! You will want to use a knife to spread the dip on the chip.
• Baguette Slices – Fresh or toasted. Again, serve with a knife to more easily spread the dip.
• Vegetables – Celery sticks and carrot sticks.

Storing and Making Ahead

Shrimp dip does not last too long. It is best to have the ingredients ready and on hand before preparing for the day of the party. Luckily, you can make this cream cheese shrimp dip quickly and layer it within minutes.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. The layers may combine and the cocktail sauce may bleed color into the cream cheese. It will still taste good; just don’t be alarmed if the color or appearance look different than when originally prepared. Do not freeze this dip.

More Delicious Dips

Not a shrimp fan? No worries – we got you! Try some of our other delicious dips! Each of these crowd-pleasing dips are quick to prepare and easy to take to any party.
7 Layer Dip
Creamy Clam Dip
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Green Goddess Dip
Dorito Dip
Bread Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip