Description
This Garlic Shrimp Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for entertaining. Featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh lemon, it's baked until bubbly and golden. Served warm with pita chips, it’s a delightful crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, thawed if frozen, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dip Base
- 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Serving
- Pita chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Shrimp: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the minced garlic. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn pink and are no longer opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Chop Shrimp and Mix Dip Ingredients: Once the shrimp have cooled enough to handle, coarsely chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, lemon juice and zest, chopped parsley, and the shrimp. Season again with salt and pepper to taste, stirring everything together until well combined.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the shrimp mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing out the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle additional freshly chopped parsley on top for garnish. Serve warm with pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the shrimp.
- If you prefer a smoother dip, pulse the baked mixture briefly in a food processor before serving.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.