This hot cheesy shrimp dip is rich, creamy, and irresistibly savory, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations. Loaded with tender shrimp, melted cheeses, and garlic, it bakes into a bubbly, golden dip that pairs beautifully with crisp garlic toast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for entertaining. It delivers bold seafood flavor balanced with creamy cheeses and just the right touch of garlic. The dip can be prepped ahead, baked fresh, and served straight from the oven, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the shrimp dip
Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped – 1 cup (about 150 g), plus 6 whole shrimp reserved for topping
Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (225 g)
Sour cream – 1/2 cup (120 g)
Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (120 g)
Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (100 g)
Shredded Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup (50 g)
Garlic cloves, finely minced – 2
Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh chives, finely chopped – 1 tablespoon, plus extra for garnish
Crushed red chili flakes – a small pinch, optional
For the garlic toast
Baguette – 1 medium loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Olive oil or melted butter – 2 tablespoons
Garlic clove, peeled and halved – 1
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until evenly incorporated.
Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and chopped chives, making sure the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top. Arrange the reserved whole shrimp on top and sprinkle lightly with a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
While the dip bakes, brush the baguette slices with olive oil or melted butter. Toast them in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. While still warm, lightly rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.
Remove the dip from the oven, garnish with extra chopped chives and a pinch of chili flakes if using, and serve immediately with warm garlic toast.
Add finely chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
Swap mozzarella for shredded Monterey Jack for a slightly sharper flavor.
Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice or lemon zest for brightness.
Add finely diced bell peppers for extra texture and color.
Use small shrimp cut into chunks for a heartier bite.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Toast fresh bread for serving, as garlic toast does not store well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed, cooked, and well-drained before chopping.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You can assemble the dip up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A small 1-quart baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish works best for even baking.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
You may replace mayonnaise with additional sour cream or thick yogurt, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is this dip spicy?
The dip is mild. The chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted entirely.
Can I serve this with something other than bread?
Yes, it pairs well with crackers, toasted pita, or fresh vegetable sticks.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
Make sure the shrimp are well-drained and patted dry before adding them to the mixture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese can be used if needed.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can this dip be served at room temperature?
It is best served hot and bubbly, as the cheese firms up as it cools.
Conclusion
Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip with Garlic Toast is a comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together creamy cheese, savory shrimp, and crispy bread in every bite. Simple to prepare and rich in flavor, it is a reliable favorite for parties, holidays, and special gatherings where warm, satisfying food takes center stage.
Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip with Garlic Toast is a rich, creamy appetizer featuring tender shrimp, melted cheeses, and a touch of garlic. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for dipping with crispy garlic toast.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped (plus 6 whole shrimp for topping)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
Pinch of crushed red chili flakes (optional)
For the garlic toast:
1 medium baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Fold in chopped shrimp and chives.
Transfer to a small oven-safe dish. Smooth the top and arrange whole shrimp on top. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Meanwhile, brush baguette slices with olive oil or butter and toast in the oven or skillet until golden.
Rub each warm toast slice with the cut side of a garlic clove.
Remove dip from oven, garnish with chives and chili flakes if using, and serve hot with garlic toast.
Notes
Use well-drained shrimp to prevent a watery dip.
Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
Prep dip ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Add lemon juice or zest for a bright touch.
Serve with crackers or veggie sticks as an alternative to toast.
