When it comes to appetizers that wow without the stress, this Shrimp Cocktail Dip is the one to make. It’s creamy, chilled, and packs that zesty shrimp cocktail flavor everyone loves—just in dip form! Think retro-classic vibes with a modern twist, and best of all? It’s totally make-ahead friendly. Perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or anytime you want to impress without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Cocktail Dip
- Make-ahead friendly: Whip it up a day before your party!
- Chilled and refreshing: A light, savory dip for warmer months.
- Elegant but easy: Fancy flavor without the fuss.
- Perfect texture: Creamy base, zippy sauce, and juicy shrimp in every bite.
- Always a hit: This one never has leftovers.
When to Make This Recipe
- Holiday gatherings (especially Easter, Christmas, or New Year’s)
- Summer BBQs and poolside hangouts
- Game day snacks
- Girls’ night in or cocktail parties
- Whenever you want to impress guests without stress
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Green onions
- Lemon
- Salt and Pepper
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Cocktail sauce
- Sliced baguette or crackers
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and boil for 4–5 minutes, or until fully cooked (they should be opaque and reach 145°F). Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, the white parts of the green onion, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Spoon cocktail sauce over the top and smooth it out evenly.
Step 4: Top & Chill
Add the chopped shrimp and sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve
Pair with sliced baguette or crackers—and watch it disappear fast!
Here’s the link to St. Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce if you’re looking to use the one I love—it’s bold, zippy, and brings the perfect punch to this dip!
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and chopped.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely—up to 24 hours ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and wait to garnish with green onions and lemon until serving.
What kind of cocktail sauce should I use?
I love St. Elmo Cocktail Sauce for that bold, spicy, horseradish kick (just be prepared to have your sinuses cleared 😅). It brings the perfect punch to the creamy base. But honestly, any store-bought cocktail sauce you love will work—just go for one with a good balance of tang and spice or make your own!
How do I make my own cocktail sauce?
Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of Worcestershire for a quick homemade version!
Can I serve this warm?
This dip is meant to be served cold. It’s refreshing, creamy, and delicious straight from the fridge.
Want more appetizer inspo? Check out more easy crowd-pleasers here!
Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 green onions white and green parts separated
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice plus more to squeeze over the top
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- Cocktail sauce
- Sliced baguette or crackers for serving
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and boil for 4–5 minutes, or until fully cooked (they should be opaque and reach 145°F). Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, the white parts of the green onion, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Spoon cocktail sauce over the top and smooth it out evenly.
- Add the chopped shrimp and sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Chill until ready to serve. Pair with sliced baguette or crackers.
What did you think?