Are you craving a delicious appetizer that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests? Look no further! This hot shrimp dip recipe is the perfect solution for your next gathering, offering a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with succulent shrimp. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu parties. This recipe offers healthy meal options without sacrificing deliciousness, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen, pre-cooked shrimp works perfectly!)
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread, crackers, or vegetables for serving
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, chop the green onions and mince the garlic. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Shrimp: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the shrimp dip to an oven-safe dish (a small casserole dish or a similar sized baking dish works well). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The edges might get a little golden brown, which is a sign of deliciousness!
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or your favorite vegetables for dipping.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Dip:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the dip, so keep a close eye on it towards the end of cooking time.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder dip, omit it entirely.
- Add some cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all be delicious additions.
- Fresh herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Dip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Bacon Shrimp Dip: Add 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Avocado Shrimp Dip: Add 1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier, healthier version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This hot shrimp dip recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade dish. Enjoy!