Easy Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

This shrimp dip recipe with cream cheese is much better than the regular version. The dip is extra rich and creamy, with hints of savoriness and spiciness, and is made even better with shrimp in each bite. It's a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing cream cheese shrimp dip that's perfect for serving as an appetizer at any occasion, and you'll love how quickly it comes together!

Why I Love This Shrimp Dip

If you’ve ever tried a classic cream cheese shrimp dip, just wait until you taste my version. The ingredients I add make it creamy, tangy, and a little spicy, packed with tender shrimp—it’s everything you want in a seafood dip and more!

What makes this shrimp dip recipe so good is the balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese and mayonnaise give it a rich, smooth base, while chili sauce adds a tangy-spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. The shrimp tie it all together, giving the dip a satisfying, savory bite in every scoop.

It’s also one of the quickest appetizers you can make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up this dip in under 5 minutes—perfect for last-minute parties, holidays, or game day spreads.

And while I love it with buttery Ritz crackers, it’s also amazing with homemade air fryer tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggie sticks. However you serve it, this easy shrimp dip appetizer is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this shrimp dip recipe is that it's made almost entirely out of kitchen/pantry staples. In fact, I'm willing to bet you'll have most - if not all - of them at your house already! 

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make it: 

• 1 cup cream cheese
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (sour cream or low fat greek yogurt will work too)
• 3 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon onion flakes
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
• 4 oz. canned shrimp or marinated cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoon sliced green onions
• Lemon or lime juice, as desired

If you have any leftover cream cheese, then I highly recommend giving this crack dip a try, too! It's just as easy to make, and it will pair perfectly with your shrimp dip. Looking for more shrimp appetizers, you have to make these shrimp egg rolls. 

Ingredient Substitutions

While I usually make this cream cheese shrimp dip with the ingredients listed in the recipe, there’s plenty of room to customize it and make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite substitutions and variations you can try:

• Swap the mayonnaise: This recipe calls for a cream cheese and mayo base, but sour cream works just as well. It gives the dip a tangier flavor and slightly lighter texture. In a pinch, you can even use low-fat Greek yogurt—it keeps the dip creamy while adding a bit of protein.
• Experiment with seasonings: For more flavor, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning or a pinch of smoked paprika. Both add a savory kick that complements the shrimp dip. For a spicier shrimp dip, add a few dashes of hot sauce or increase the amount of chili sauce.
• Adjust the spice level: For a spicier version, stir in an extra tablespoon of chili sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. To keep it mild, reduce the chili sauce slightly or balance it with extra cream cheese.
• Use canned or fresh shrimp: If you’re using canned shrimp, be sure to drain well and chop the shrimp into small pieces so they blend evenly into the dip. Fresh shrimp should be cooked, cooled, and finely chopped before mixing into the creamy base.
• Try different cheeses: While cream cheese is the classic base, you can blend in a little shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor and texture.
• Add freshness: Stir in chopped green onions, parsley, or dill to brighten the flavor and balance the richness of the cream cheese and mayo.

How To Make Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

Step 1: Mix The Dip Ingredients

First things first, in a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Then, after you've done that, you'll want to add the lime (or lemon juice), chili sauce, onion flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, mix all the ingredients together until they're completely smooth and well combined.  

Step 2: Add The Shrimp

Once the base of your shrimp dip is mixed together, you'll want to prepare the shrimp. Chop the cooked shrimp into uniform pieces, then add them to the cheese mixture and stir everything together to combine.

Step 3: Serve The Dip

Now that the dip is mixed, you can give it a taste and adjust any seasonings as necessary. After all, you're the chef, so make sure it tastes perfect to you.

Then, finally, serve your shrimp dip in a serving bowl with a sprinkle of diced green onions on top, and enjoy!

Expert Tips To Make The Best Shrimp Dip

• Make it a hot shrimp dip: This recipe can be served hot or cold, which makes it versatile for any occasion. To turn it into a hot shrimp dip, mix all the ingredients as directed, transfer to a small baking dish, and top with ½–1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well). Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
• Chop shrimp to your texture preference: However you chop the shrimp is exactly how they’ll show up in the final dip. For a chunky shrimp dip, leave the pieces slightly larger. For a smooth shrimp dip, chop the shrimp finely or pulse everything together in a small food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
• Use softened cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before mixing. This ensures it blends smoothly with the mayonnaise and chili sauce for a lump-free dip.
• Serve with variety: While Ritz crackers are a classic choice, this dip is also delicious with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper strips. Offering a mix of dippers makes it a party-ready option with something for everyone.

How I Recommend Storing The Shrimp Dip

This recipe for shrimp dip stores incredibly well in the fridge. I usually like to make it a day or two before serving it, but it will stay good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure you put it in an airtight container when you store it.

With that said, if you want to store the shrimp dip for even longer, you can freeze it. Stored in the freezer in an airtight containe,r it'll stay good for around 2 months. Then, when you're ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make cream cheese shrimp dip in just 5 minutes!

This dip really is a fantastic appetizer to impress your guests with. It's a little different from the majority of dips that people usually make, yet it's so flavorful and satisfying, everyone is sure to love it. I know that's the case when I make it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this shrimp dip recipe as much as my family and I do. As always, if you give this recipe a try, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it went!

More Appetizer Recipes

If you're on the hunt for more equally delicious and easy appetizer recipes, we have a ton on the blog for you to try next!

Here are some of my favorites:

• Deviled dip
• Chuy's creamy jalapeño dip
• Whipped ricotta dip
• Crab dip
• Armadillo eggs
• Cheese ball
• Cream cheese stuffed peppers
• Cathead biscuits

Oh, and as always, make sure to check us out on  TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube! We post new recipes on them every day.