Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip – Homemade Hooplah

What ingredients are in cream cheese shrimp dip?

In order to whip up this super simple cream cheese and shrimp dip, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: This soft cheese forms the base of this dip, offering a mild flavor that complements the shrimp and other ingredients.
• Salad Shrimp: These small, pre-cooked shrimp are ideal for this dip. They’re easy to mix in and provide a delicate, sweet seafood flavor that pairs well with the creamy base.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dip, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and enhancing the taste of the shrimp.
• Horseradish: Gives the dip a spicy kick, adding depth and a sharp flavor that contrasts with the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the shrimp. Feel free to adjust the amount of horseradish more or less to your tastes.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Used as an optional garnish, it introduces a fresh, herby note that complements the overall flavors of the dip and adds a touch of color.

What type of shrimp should you use?

While salad shrimp is the ideal choice for this dip due to its small size, soft texture, and the convenience of being precooked, you can use just about any type of shrimp, such as:

• Medium and Large Shrimp: These are the “standard” shrimp you typically find in frozen food or deli counters and can vary in size and offer different textures. Medium shrimp provide a balanced bite and large shrimp add a chunkier feel.
• Jumbo Shrimp: If you prefer a more substantial texture, using jumbo shrimp adds a firmer bite and a more pronounced flavor.
• Tiger Shrimp: Known for their striking appearance and size, tiger shrimp add a robust flavor and a firmer texture to the dip.
• Rock Shrimp: With their lobster-like taste, rock shrimp can add a unique, slightly sweet flavor profile to the dip.
• Canned Shrimp: While not as fresh tasting, canned shrimp can be a convenient substitute. Drain and rinse well before using to avoid any tinny flavor.

Note for Preparation: No matter what type of shrimp you use, be sure to cook it (or buy precooked) and chop it up before using it in the dip.

What else can you add?

If you’d like to put your own spin on this retro cream cheese shrimp dip, try any (or many) of the options below.

Additions

• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the ketchup and horseradish mixture for a fresh, citrusy note.
• Diced Celery: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely diced celery for a crunchy texture contrast and a slight vegetal flavor.
• Capers: Mix in 2 tablespoons of capers (whole or chopped) for a briny, tangy element.
• Green Onions: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture for added depth and umami.

Substitutions

• For Horseradish: If you’re not a fan of horseradish, consider substituting with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy, slightly spicy alternative.
• For Ketchup: BBQ sauce can be a good substitute for ketchup if you prefer a smokier, richer flavor. Use an equal amount of BBQ sauce in place of ketchup.

What dippers to serve with cream cheese shrimp dip

When it comes to party dips, there are so many options for dipping aside from the classic tortilla chip! Feel free to use any (or many!) from the list below:

• Baguette Slices: Thin slices toasted with olive oil, offering a crisp texture.
• Focaccia: Seasoned with herbs, providing a flavorful and sturdy dipping option.
• Rye Crisps: Baked slices of rye bread, offering a crunchy texture and distinct flavor.
• Sourdough: Either toasted or fresh, for a tangy flavor complement.
• Breadsticks: Crunchy and ideal for dipping without crumbling.
• Pumpernickel: Offers a robust flavor that pairs well with the creamy, savory dip.
• Ciabatta: Thinly sliced and toasted for a crispy texture.
• Olive Bread: Brings a Mediterranean flair with its embedded olive pieces.
• Tortilla Chips: Classic and sturdy, perfect for a good scoop of dip.
• Pretzels: Salty and crunchy, offering a nice textural contrast.
• Pita Chips: Provide a mild flavor that won’t overshadow the dip’s taste.
• Bagel Chips: Toasted for crunchiness, they’re substantial enough to hold up to the dip.
• Ritz Crackers: Buttery and light, complementing the creaminess of the dip.
• Melba Toast: Offers a neutral flavor and a crisp bite.
• Triscuit Crackers: Their woven, whole-grain texture is ideal for hearty spreads like this dip.

Can you make this in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the whole dip and store it in the refrigerator (ideally covered or in a sealed container) for up to 4-6 hours before serving to ensure the best presentation. If you’d like to make it even further in advance, I’d recommend preparing the sauce shrimp and storing it in a separate sealed container from the cream cheese until ready to serve.

Just remember that this dip works best when the cream cheese is extremely soft, so if it was stored in the refrigerator for any point in time, you should give the cream cheese at least 30 minutes to soften at room temperature.

How long is it good for?

Cream cheese shrimp dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can you freeze it?

Bad news here, guys. Freezing the dip is not recommended due to the cream cheese, which can separate and become grainy when thawed, adversely affecting the texture and consistency of the dip.

For best results, plan on enjoying this dip while it’s still fresh.

How long can you leave out a party dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can cover the dip and place it back in the refrigerator. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Notes & tips for cream cheese shrimp dip

• No matter what type of shrimp you’re using, chopping the shrimp is recommended so that it’s easier to scoop up the dip. However, depending on the size of the shrimp or the presentation you want, it’s not wrong to keep some shrimp whole. You can always serve the dip with cocktail knives or forks to make it easier for guests to eat any size or cut of shrimp.

Step 1 – Begin by placing your block of softened cream cheese on a decorative serving plate, then set it aside.

Step 2 -Take a small mixing bowl and whisk together the ketchup and horseradish until combined.

Step 3 – Divide the shrimp in half, then add one of the halves to the bowl with the ketchup and horseradish mixture. Toss the shrimp in the sauce until nice and coated.