Get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight that will have your taste buds dancing! This Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip is the ultimate appetizer that combines succulent shrimp with a rich blend of cheeses and a hint of zesty lemon. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy night in, this dip is sure to impress your guests and leave them begging for the recipe. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be serving up a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Dive into this recipe and discover why this dip is the star of every gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips
- Quality Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor. Make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of sharp cheddar or pepper jack can give your dip an exciting twist.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Ensure your dip is baked until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. This will enhance the flavors and give you that perfect cheesy crust.
- Serving Suggestions: For the best dipping experience, serve your dip with an assortment of dippers like toasted baguette slices, crunchy crackers, or crispy tortilla chips.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing your dip with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
