This Shrimp Scampi Dip is creamy, cheesy and full of flavor! This hot shrimp dip recipe is loaded with succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon zest and three types of cheese. Definitely a crowd pleasing dip!
If you love shrimp appetizers, take a look at my Mexican Shrimp Ceviche recipe!
Enjoy the bright flavors of the Italian classic shrimp scampi in a creamy and cheesy dip! This easy to make shrimp dip is a great appetizer to serve at any party or gathering. Your family and friends will be asking you for the recipe, no doubt.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip
Shrimp Dips are usually very quick and easy to make and this amazing shrimp dip is no different. This creamy shrimp scampi dip can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you are ready to serve it, which makes it an ideal appetizer to serve during the busy holidays.
This shrimp dip recipe is made in one single skillet that goes from the stove top to the oven. If you don’t have an oven safe skillet like cast iron, simply pour the creamy dip in a baking dish before baking.
Shrimp Scampi Dip Ingredients
- Shrimp: I always have a bag of raw large shrimp in my freezer. Because the shrimp is large, I cut it into thirds. You can use medium or small shrimp as well, just make sure the shrimp is cut into bite size pieces for easy scooping.
- Butter: Unsalted. If you only have salted butter, use less salt in the when seasoning the shrimp.
- Garlic: I use fresh garlic. Garlic is such an important component of creamy shrimp scampi so I always use fresh. Your next best option is garlic paste.
- Lemon: You will use the juice and zest so fresh lemons are a must.
- Parsley: I prefer the flavor of fresh Italian flat leaf parsley.
- Cheese: Full fat cream cheese, Mozzarella and Parmesan. Freshly grated is best.
- Sour Cream: For party dips I always use full fat sour cream but light can be used as well.
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise works best.
How To Make This Shrimp Dip Recipe
- Have all your ingredients ready because the cooking goes fast!
- In a skillet, saute the shrimp in butter with garlic and lemon zest. Add lemon juice. The shrimp is ready as soon as it starts to turn pink.
- Do not overcook the shrimp! Remember the dip will bake and the shrimp will cook a little extra in the oven.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the cream cheese.
- Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Mozzarella, Parmesan and parsley and mix until incorporated.
- Top the shrimp dip with some extra shredded Mozzarella.
- Bake until the shrimp dip is golden and bubbly. Serve it with some bread, crostini or crackers.
Can This Shrimp Dip Be Made Ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip the day before you will be serving it. Cook the shrimp, mix the rest of the ingredients, cool, cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The next day all you have to do is remove it from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before baking it – just so it’s not refrigerator cold, then bake and serve!
How To Serve Shrimp Dip
I like to serve this amazing shrimp dip with crostini, crackers or pita chips. Bread slices are also a great option for serving and scooping this creamy scampi dip.
Shrimp Dip Recipe Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet or an oven safe skillet to make this a one skillet or one-pan dip. Less clean up is always a good thing!
- You can make this recipe with large, medium or small shrimp. Cut the shrimp to small bite size pieces so it’s easier to scoop and eat.
Take a look at these other shrimp recipes:
- Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip
- Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Tom Yum Soup
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut into 1/4 inch pieces*
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded plus more for topping**
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped plus more for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- In a 10 inch oven safe skillet*** or cast iron skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook stirring often for about 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt, pepper and cayenne. Cook stirring occasionally for about 2 – 3 minutes or until the shrimp is starting to get pink. Add the lemon juice and simmer for about a minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is well incorporated. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan and parsley and mix well to combine.
- With a spatula level the mixture to an even layer, Sprinkle the top with Mozzarella (I used about 2 tablespoons).
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices (optional). Serve hot with bread, crackers or crostini.
Video
Chef’s Tips
**I used Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese.
***I prepared this dip in a cast iron skillet and served it directly from it. If you don’t have an oven safe skillet, you can transfer the dip into a 10-inch baking dish.
Nutrition
Recipe inspired by a recipe by Food Network Kitchen
Mary O says
I took this to a party and several people asked for the recipe. I will make it again!
Kathy says
Hi Mary! That is fantastic. Thank you.
Mary says
This is a fantastic recipe. So easy and delicious. Will be making it again.
Sheila Lyon says
Everyone loved this dip.
Kathy says
So happy to hear. Thank you.
Cheryl says
I made this for an afternoon appetizer for Christmas Day a few years ago. Oh my goodness, the family still remembers it with joy! Cut up the shrimp and know that it is quite rich so I’m glad I served it well before dinner.
Kathy says
Thank you Cheryl. So glad to hear it was loved by all.
Gamma says
This is a great recipe, the flavors are all in and is so easy and fast to make it!
Kathy says
Thank you!
Debbie Messer says
Nutrition info
Kathy says
Hi Debbie. You can look on the recipe card. Thanks
Monica says
Does this serve 4 people? That is what is shown on the recipe. However you mention you take it to parties. Please confirm. Looking for an appetizer recipe for the family holiday party but it is a large group.
Kathy says
Hi Monica, It is very rich and decadent so I usually serve it at parties because no one is going to just gobble it all. Keep in mind I always have other things to munch on. This is also the case when I bring it to share at a party or get together. Now if my husband, teen son and I are having just this while watching a movie with nothing else to eat – then you can bet we can put it down without a problem!!! 🙂
Mirands says
Could this be made in a crock pot? I was hoping to make it for a party and keep it warm in a crock pot!
Looks delish! Can’t wait to make it!
Kathy says
Hi Mirands, You need to saute the shrimp in a skillet but you can finish it in the crock pot for sure! I have done it that way for parties multiple times!
Lori L says
This is our new favorite dip! It is so flavorful and easy. Thank you for sharing. We served it with tortilla chips instead of bread and it was great.
Kathy says
Thank you!!!
Susan Kahdeman says
This dip is the best! So delicious! Easy to make and so much flavor. I’m glad I found your recipe. Following from now on!
Kathy says
Thank you!!!! Thank you for following!
Lisa says
This looks so indulgent! I love scampi and I love cheesy dips, you’ve hit my sweet spot!
Kathy says
Thank you!
Brian says
This dish is amazing and so good! We had it this past weekend and it became an instant family favorite. It was creamy, cheesy, and just warmed our soul when we ate it. One issue I have with seafood dip is the over powering “fishy” taste or smell and this dip didn’t have that issue. It can be used as a spread, chip dip, or even straight off the fork… it’s that good.
Kathy says
Thank you Brian! I am glad you and your family enjoyed it!! Love the feedback.