This shrimp and cream cheese dip is creamy and spreadable, studded with fresh cooked shrimp, crisp celery, and bright green onions. A touch of Worcestershire, heavy whipping cream and a dash of ketchup round out the savory, slightly tangy bite.
It comes together in about 11 minutes, which makes it ideal for a last-minute party appetizer or a make-ahead snack — chill to firm the texture, then scoop with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks while cold and spreadable.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
Quick, no-cook, and crowd-pleasing: this dip delivers creamy richness from softened cream cheese with pops of shrimp and fresh crunch from celery and green onions. It’s simple enough for weekday entertaining and flexible enough to prepare ahead.
Chill the dip at least 30 minutes to firm it and let flavors meld before serving; store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make the Dip
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl: add the softened cream cheese, fresh cooked shrimp, diced celery, chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, 3 squirts of Ketchup, and seasoning salt to taste.
- Mix well until smooth and evenly combined. For the smoothest, most spreadable dip use a hand mixer and beat for about 1–2 minutes, scraping the bowl once so there are no cream cheese lumps. For a chunkier, tossed texture, fold the ingredients together gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Chill before serving: refrigerate the dip at least 30 minutes to firm and let flavors meld. Cover and make ahead up to 3 days — give it a quick stir before serving if any liquid separates.
Best Dippers and Pairings
This dip pairs with a wide range of dippers — choose options that contrast the creamy texture with crunch or a crisp base for spreading.
- Crackers: buttery table crackers, water crackers, or sesame crackers for a neutral base.
- Crostini: thinly toasted baguette slices add a sturdy, crunchy vehicle for scooping.
- Veggie sticks: celery, cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper strips keep it light and fresh.
- Garnishes: a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika adds color and a hint of freshness.
Lighter Ingredient Swaps
If you want a lighter version, make small swaps to reduce fat without changing the core recipe. Keep in mind these swaps change texture slightly, so use them as suggested options rather than replacements in the recipe card.
- Replace heavy whipping cream with light cream or plain Greek yogurt for lower fat; yogurt will produce a tangier, slightly thicker result.
- Use a reduced-fat cream cheese if desired, but expect a less silky finish than full-fat cream cheese.
- Skip the ketchup if you prefer less sweetness and use a squeeze of lemon for brightness instead (note: this alters flavor, not the original recipe).
Tips for Success
Room-temperature cream cheese: Use the cream cheese at room temperature so it blends smoothly; cold blocks will make the dip lumpy and require much more mixing.
Control the salt: Seasoning salt amount isn’t specified—start with a small pinch, taste, and adjust. Remember the shrimp and Worcestershire add saltiness too.
Texture options: Use a hand mixer for a silky, spreadable dip (1–2 minutes). To keep visible shrimp pieces and a chunkier mouthfeel, fold ingredients by hand.
Prevent watery dip: If shrimp or vegetables seem wet, pat them dry before mixing to keep the dip from thinning as it chills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Serve
This shrimp and cream cheese dip is an easy, make-ahead winner for parties and casual get-togethers — mix, chill, and set out with your favorite dippers.
Leftovers keep refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days; stir gently before serving if needed.
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Dip
Equipment
- bowl
- hand mixer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1 cup shrimp fresh, cooked
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 3 squirts ketchup
- 2 blocks cream cheese room temperature/softened
- seasoning salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well, using a hand mixer for best results until the dip is smooth and evenly combined.
