This cream cheese shrimp dip is a nostalgic recipe that has stood the test of time. Layers of cream cheese, homemade cocktail sauce, and shrimp come together to make an appetizer your friends and family will love.

I love recipes that bring back memories and this cream cheese shrimp dip is one that I find myself making again and again. You just need a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes.

One of my favorite things about this dip is the homemade cocktail sauce. It’s a recipe that I got from my mom and once you try it, you won’t go back to the jarred stuff. It’s the best combination of tangy chili sauce and spicy horseradish makes this shrimp cocktail dip extra special.

The great thing about this dip is that it is fancy enough for a dinner date at home, a holiday appetizer spread, but also simple enough to make that you could serve it for a game day. No matter what occasion you make this dip for, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• A nostalgic recipe that is still great today. This shrimp cocktail dip recipe is a classic dip that stands the test of time.
• Very easy to make. This can be assembled with just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes.
• Fun for entertaining. A delicious dip that family and friends will love.
• Great for holidays and special occasions. The kind of dip that feels special but is easy enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

Only a few ingredients are needed to make the best shrimp cocktail dip.

• Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese is the base for this easy dip recipe.
• Chili sauce – I like using Heinz chili sauce for the base of the sauce. It has a great balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
• Prepared horseradish – This adds a little heat to the cocktail sauce. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Worcestershire sauce – A little Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor.
• Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dip.
• Shrimp – Make sure to use cooked, deveined, tails off shrimp. I use medium sized shrimp and then cut into smaller pieces.

How to make cream cheese shrimp dip

Scroll to the bottom for the full layered cream cheese shrimp dip recipe.

1. Prepare the shrimp by making sure it is cooked and then diced into small pieces. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the homemade cocktail sauce by mixing together the chili sauce, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Mix it until creamy with an electric mixer.
4. Spread the cream cheese in your serving dish.

5. Top the cream cheese with the prepared cocktail sauce.
6. Add your prepared shrimp on top of the cocktail sauce.

7. If you would like to add a little color, you can sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley or green onions.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Make sure to soften the cream cheese. This helps make it easier to spread.
• Pat the shrimp dry. Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to get rid of any excess moisture.
• Make the cocktail sauce ahead of time to allow it to chill.

Variations

• Add fresh herbs. Top with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a little dill.
• Seasoning. If you want this dip extra flavorful, toss the cooked shrimp in 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
• Crab meat. Substitute the shrimp with lump crab meat.
• Serve the dip warm. You can spread the cream cheese out in a serving dish and slightly warm in the oven for a few minutes. Top with cocktail sauce and shrimp.

What to serve with shrimp dip with cream cheese

This cream cheese dip is wonderful served with crackers, small pieces of toast, pretzels, tortilla chips, and sturdy vegetables like celery and cucumbers.

Storage instructions

Store: Keep any leftover shrimp dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Make ahead: You can make this appetizer the night before if needed.

Freeze: I do not recommend freezing this dip because it does not thaw well.

Frequently asked questions

More easy cream cheese dips

• Cream cheese fruit dip
• Corn dip with cream cheese
• Greek layer dip
• Fiesta corn dip