Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Cheese and Garlic Bread
The Ultimate Party Appetizer Everyone Craves
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels indulgent, comforting, and downright irresistible, this Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip is the answer. Loaded with tender shrimp, rich cream cheese, melted mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and herbs, this dish is perfect for game day snacks, holiday appetizers, family gatherings, or dinner parties. Served bubbling hot with toasted baguette slices, this dip delivers the perfect balance of seafood elegance and cheesy comfort food.
The image shows exactly what makes this dish special: gooey cheese pulls, juicy shrimp, golden-brown edges, and fresh chives on top. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast, so you may want to double the batch.
Why This Shrimp Dip Is So Popular
This recipe combines several highly searched, high-CPM food keywords that food lovers are always looking for:
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Creamy shrimp dip
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Baked seafood appetizer
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Cheesy shrimp recipe
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Easy party appetizers
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Oven-baked shrimp dip
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Holiday appetizer ideas
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Game day snack recipes
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Seafood dip with cream cheese
Shrimp is a premium protein, cheese-based appetizers have high engagement, and baked dips consistently rank among the most saved and shared recipes online.
Flavor Profile & Texture
This dip is:
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Creamy from cream cheese and sour cream
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Savory and rich thanks to mozzarella and Parmesan
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Lightly sweet and briny from shrimp
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Garlicky and aromatic with herbs and spices
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Golden and bubbly on top with irresistible cheese stretch
The shrimp remain tender, not rubbery, because they finish cooking in the oven instead of being overcooked beforehand.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping & Garnish
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
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Extra mozzarella or Parmesan for topping
For Serving
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Toasted baguette slices
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Crackers, crostini, or tortilla chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents a watery dip and keeps the texture creamy.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side—just until they turn pink. Remove from heat immediately.
Tip: Shrimp should be slightly undercooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
2. Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Cream cheese
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Sour cream
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Mozzarella
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Parmesan
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Lemon juice
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Paprika and cayenne
Mix until smooth and fully blended. Fold in the cooked shrimp gently so they stay intact.
3. Assemble the Dip
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or ramekin (like the one shown in the image). Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra cheese for a golden crust.
4. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley. Serve warm with toasted bread or crackers.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Dip
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Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor
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Don’t overbake or the shrimp can become rubbery
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Block cheese melts better than pre-shredded
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Add a splash of white wine for gourmet depth
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Serve immediately for the best cheese pull effect
Delicious Variations
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Dip
Add Cajun seasoning, extra cayenne, and diced jalapeños.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Dip
Increase garlic, add melted butter, and finish with parsley.
Low-Carb / Keto Shrimp Dip
Serve with celery sticks or low-carb crackers.
Lobster or Crab Version
Swap shrimp for lobster meat or lump crab for an upscale appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals
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Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy separation
Related Questions (High-Search Queries)
Can I make shrimp dip ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
What cheese is best for shrimp dip?
Mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for flavor, and cream cheese for creaminess.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is shrimp dip served hot or cold?
This recipe is best served hot and bubbly.
What goes well with shrimp dip?
Baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes in an air-safe dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip is the ultimate combination of luxury seafood and comfort food indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning holiday appetizers, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no surprise this dish is a top-performing recipe across food blogs and social media.
