Are you looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that's sure to impress your guests? Look no further than this hot shrimp dip recipe! This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip is perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (you can easily find pre-cooked shrimp in most grocery stores, saving you time!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the green onions and mince the garlic. This is a great task to do while the oven preheats!
Combining the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer can speed this process along, but a good old-fashioned whisk works perfectly well too!
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Adding the Shrimp and Baking:
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Be careful not to overmix and break up the shrimp.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish (a small casserole dish or an individual ramekin works well).
- If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Serving Your Delicious Creation:
- Let the dip cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, or baguette slices.
Tips for the Best Hot Shrimp Dip:
- For a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Dried dill or thyme would be lovely additions.
- If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a little anchovy paste for a similar savory depth.
- For a smoother dip, you can briefly pulse the shrimp in a food processor before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. However, some people prefer the texture of larger shrimp pieces.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Dip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Bacon Shrimp Dip: Crumble cooked bacon into the dip for added smoky flavor and texture.
- Avocado Shrimp Dip: Add 1/2 of a ripe avocado to the dip for a creamier, richer texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy and delicious hot shrimp dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for any occasion and showcases the best of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!