Easy Cold Shrimp Dip

Easy cold shrimp dip is the perfect appetizer or snack. Thick, creamy, and full of shrimp flavor. It’s quick and easy to make for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This

You will come home with an empty bowl guaranteed! Definitely a crowd-pleaser!

It’s a classic Southern Shrimp Dip.

My biggest tip here is if using frozen shrimp, thaw on paper towels and change the towels a few times once they are soaked. Believe me, it makes a huge difference in the “fresh” taste of frozen shrimp.

Recipe Ingredients

Cooked shrimp – Small salad shrimp is what we use, not canned shrimp. If you can only find larger shrimp, just chop shrimp into bite-size pieces.
Cream cheese and mayonnaise – For the best results use full-fat versions and room-temperature cream cheese.
Pimento cheese – Try omitting the pimento cheese and adding in some chili sauce.
Horseradish – Adds a spicy note.
Old Bay Seasoning – Or you could use Cajun seasoning.
Green onions and celery – Diced small for texture.

How to Make Easy Cold Shrimp Dip

In a large bowl, place the peeled and deveined shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento cheese, horseradish, green onion, celery, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning.

Cold Shrimp Dip ingredients combined together in a mixing bowl

Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

Garnish with additional chopped fresh green onions or fresh parsley.

Cold Shrimp Dip in a black bowl garnished with green onions and crackers

This easy shrimp dip is a perfect appetizer for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or any party!

Easy Cold Shrimp Dip - A close up of the dip in a black bowl

Thick, creamy, and packed with flavor! This great appetizer dip is always a hit for game days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crackers but you can also serve it with fresh veggies like sliced bell peppers or celery sticks.

If you want to serve it with potato chips I recommend using a sturdy kettle baked potato chips. They will hold up much better.

Tips

If you prefer the classic shrimp dip taste of canned shrimp feel free to use them.
Purchase cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save time.
When using frozen cooked shrimp thaw them on paper towels, changing them out when they are soaked.
You can use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, mayo, and pimento cheese. Just know that the pimento cheese will break down and be creamier.
Make this easy shrimp dip recipe at least 1 to 2 hours ahead of serving for the best flavor.

Variations

We are using pimento cheese but you can use shredded cheddar cheese.
Add a dash of hot sauce or chili sauce if you like it spicy.

FAQs

Can I make shrimp dip ahead?

I recommend only making it a few hours ahead up to 24 hours. Shrimp dip doesn’t last long so don’t make it too far in advance.

What kind of crackers goes with shrimp dip?

Serve with Ritz crackers (or any buttery cracker), wheat thins, corn chips, melba toast, or tortilla chips.

How long does shrimp dip last in the fridge?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.
We do not recommend freezing. This dip recipe is made with all dairy products that don’t fare well in the freezer.

More Delicious Cold Dip Recipes

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