There’s something about inviting friends over that brings out my inner appetizer enthusiast—especially when shrimp is involved. I still remember one family get-together where I brought out a cool, creamy shrimp dip, and it vanished before the drinks even made it onto the table. Shrimp dips have this way of making a spread instantly festive and a little fancy, yet they’re always so easy to whip up! Whether you love classic combos or want something a little spicy or extra creamy, these 12+ shrimp dips for parties creamy easy favorites will have you breezing through every gathering with rave reviews.
1. Classic Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
This dip is the tried-and-true party favorite your guests will recognize (and devour) instantly. It comes together in minutes and stars simple everyday ingredients. This is my go-to for last-minute gatherings or when I need something I know the kids and grownups will all enjoy.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked small shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in chopped shrimp and green onions.
- Spoon onto a platter and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with paprika and extra green onions, if desired.
- Serve chilled with crackers and fresh veggies.
Optional Enhancers (choose 2):
Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Meal Prep Tip: Make a few hours ahead and chill for best flavor.
2. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for anyone who likes a little kick. This version takes all the creamy goodness of shrimp dip and adds a proper punch. I bring this when I know I’m cooking for spice fans—trust me, it’s the first thing to disappear next to a cold beer.
Serving size: Serves 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (plus extra for garnish)
- 3/4 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Mix in sriracha, salt, and most of the green onions.
- Fold in chopped shrimp.
- Spoon into a bowl. Garnish with extra sriracha and cilantro.
Swap This With That: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a tangier dip.
3. Shrimp and Artichoke Party Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Two crowd-pleasers in one dish—artichoke hearts bring mellow, briny flavor that’s perfect with tender shrimp. I love this dip for potlucks or big gatherings because it’s fuss-free and feels a little bit special.
Serving size: Serves 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, and garlic until creamy.
- Fold in artichoke hearts and shrimp.
- Spread in a greased baking dish.
- Bake 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Top with parsley before serving.
Best Pairings: Serve with baguette slices, pita chips, or carrot sticks.
4. Chilled Shrimp Avocado Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
On a hot day, nothing beats scooping up this cool, creamy blend of shrimp and ripe avocado. It’s fresh, light, and almost guacamole-like. Pass this around at an outdoor party with tortilla chips and watch it vanish.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make It:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together avocado, shrimp, red onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt.
- Fold in sour cream and lime juice until just combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving with chips.
Meal Prep Tip: Add avocado just before serving to keep the dip looking fresh.
5. Warm Cheesy Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
When you want something decadent and gooey, this bubbling hot dip loaded with cheese and shrimp is pure comfort food. I make it for movie nights, game days, and any occasion that calls for stretchy, melted cheese.
Serving size: Serves 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, mayo, and cheeses until smooth.
- Stir in shrimp, green onions, and cayenne.
- Spread in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling.
- Top with parsley and serve warm.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
6. Dill Pickle Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love the tang of dill pickles and classic deli flavors, this creamy shrimp dip will be your new favorite. It’s especially good with potato chips and has the “just one more bite” effect at any snack table.
Serving size: Serves 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp pickle juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Taste and adjust salt or dill if needed.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Swap This With That: Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
7. Old Bay Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Old Bay is made for shrimp, and this dip brings classic, buttery seafood shack vibes without any fuss. It always reminds me of family vacations at the beach—everyone loves the familiar spice and bright finish.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 green onions, sliced
How to Make It:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, Old Bay, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Fold in shrimp and onions.
- Warm in microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’d like it served slightly warm.
- Sprinkle extra Old Bay on top to serve.
Serving Idea: Try it with celery sticks or saltine crackers at a cookout.
8. Tex-Mex Layered Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
All those party-layer dip flavors—guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese—get a seafood twist with shrimp in the star role. This is my favorite for casual backyard hangouts because it covers all the snack bases.
Serving size: Serves 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (optional)
How to Make It:
- Spread guacamole on the bottom of a glass serving dish.
- Layer half of the shrimp.
- Add salsa and spread gently.
- Spread sour cream in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with remaining shrimp, cheese, green onions, and lettuce if using.
Best Pairings: Perfect with tortilla chips, corn chips, or crudité.
9. Shrimp Scampi Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Everything you love about garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi—turned into a creamy, scoopable dip. I break out this one when I want a wow-factor at the start of a meal or need a clever way to use up cooked shrimp.
Serving size: Serves 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Mix cream cheese, shrimp, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, and sauteed garlic.
- Spread in a baking dish and top with panko.
- Bake 15 minutes, top with parsley.
Flavor Boost: Broil the top for an extra toasty finish.
10. Lemon Herb Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
This one’s super light and refreshing for spring or summer. Fresh herbs, lemon zest, and tender shrimp keep it bright on the tongue. I make it when I want something not too heavy but with big flavor.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese and yogurt until creamy.
- Stir in shrimp, lemon juice, zest, dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Chill until serving.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overmix after adding shrimp—keep the texture chunky.
11. Buffalo Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Spicy, creamy, and cheesy with that addictive Buffalo wing flavor—only with shrimp instead of chicken. This dip is a hit for watch parties or anywhere there’s a craving for something bold.
Serving size: Serves 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix cream cheese, ranch, and Buffalo sauce until smooth.
- Stir in shrimp and mozzarella.
- Spread in a baking dish, sprinkle blue cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with green onions and extra Buffalo sauce.
Serving Idea: Serve with celery sticks, carrots, and bread rounds.
12. Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Sweet, smoky roasted peppers give creamy shrimp dip a Mediterranean feel. This recipe comes together fast with pantry staples, and the flavor is so punchy. Make it ahead to let the flavors blend.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese and mayo until soft.
- Mix in garlic, smoked paprika, roasted peppers, and shrimp.
- Stir in parsley and salt.
- Serve with warm pita bread.
Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
13. Asian-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
With ginger, sesame, and a little soy, this dip offers a sushi bar twist and a silky texture. It’s so good with wonton chips and cut veggies for a lighter party option.
Serving size: Serves 5
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese, sour cream, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil until creamy.
- Fold in shrimp and most of the green onions.
- Top with sesame seeds and remaining onions.
Swap This With That: Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream.
14. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
For those who love a little soulful Southern heat, Cajun spices, and plenty of bold flavor, this quick dip brings Mardi Gras spirit to any table. It’s especially nice for making ahead and letting those spices meld.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (more for topping)
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How to Make It:
- Beat cream cheese and mayo together until creamy.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
- Fold in shrimp and green onions.
- Microwave 2–3 minutes until warm, then top with extra seasoning.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Buy frozen cooked shrimp and thaw for a more economical option.
15. Sweet Chili Shrimp Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Sweet, tangy, and just a touch of heat—this Asian-style shrimp dip is incredibly simple yet always a surprise favorite at potlucks. Pair it with crisp veggies or rice crackers.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (plus more for top)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Combine cream cheese, mayo, lime juice, and chili sauce until smooth.
- Fold in shrimp and cilantro.
- Spoon into a bowl and swirl extra sweet chili sauce on top.
Meal Prep Tip: The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
FAQ
What kind of shrimp should I use in party dips?
Small cooked shrimp or salad shrimp (fresh or frozen) work best since they blend easily and hold up well in creamy bases. You can chop larger shrimp into bite-size pieces for bigger texture.
Can these shrimp dips be made ahead?
Absolutely. Most creamy shrimp dips can be made a few hours or even a day in advance (especially the baked versions). Just keep them well covered in the fridge and give a quick stir, or reheat gently if serving warm.
How do I keep shrimp dips creamy and not watery?
Use well-drained or patted-dry cooked shrimp and avoid overmixing. If serving with juicy ingredients (like tomato or salsa), blend those in last and drain excess liquid.
What should I serve with shrimp dips?
Crackers, sliced baguette, tortilla or pita chips, and fresh veggies are all great. For lighter options, try cucumber rounds or snap peas.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes can turn simple shrimp into something party-worthy. These creamy, easy favorites take the guesswork out of what to serve when you want to impress, without the stress. Whether you crave classic flavors or want to try a bold new twist, there’s a shrimp dip here for every gathering and every taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices or take shortcuts when you need them—appetizers are all about fun, flavor, and sharing something good with the people you love. Happy dipping.
