Imagine diving into a creamy, zesty dip that combines the luxurious taste of succulent shrimp with the tangy kick of cocktail sauce - all baked to perfection! This Baked Shrimp Cocktail Dip is about to become your new go-to appetizer that will have guests fighting for the last scoop. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a summer barbecue, or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the dip to cook evenly and ensures a nice, warm serving temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip.
- Add 1/4 cup of cocktail sauce and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The cocktail sauce will add a tangy flavor, while the lemon juice provides freshness.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and mix again to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dip.
- Gently fold in 1 pound of chopped cooked shrimp. Ensure the shrimp is evenly distributed within the mixture, but be careful not to break it up too much.
- Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions to the mixture and fold them in. The green onions will add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Transfer the shrimp dip mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns and allows the flavors to meld.
- Serve the baked shrimp cocktail dip warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Tips
- Use high-quality, pre-cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp that's already cooked will save you time and ensure consistent results.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother, lump-free base for your dip.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh dill to give the dip a unique twist.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the cocktail sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Make sure to chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces so they're evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- To prevent the dip from drying out, cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to get a slightly golden top.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture. The dip tends to firm up as it cools, so timing is key!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 180mg
