Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Garlic Recipe
This creamy and savory Shrimp Dip combines tender cooked shrimp with cream cheese, mozzarella, and zesty lemon, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect as a warm appetizer, it’s ideal for parties and casual gatherings served alongside crackers or crostini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 package (12 ounces) frozen cooked small shrimp, peeled, deveined, thawed, chopped
- 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
To Serve
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
- Crackers or crostini
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined to create a smooth base.
- Add Shrimp and Cheese: Fold in the thawed, chopped shrimp along with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to incorporate the shrimp and cheese evenly into the cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer to Skillet and Top: Pour the shrimp and cream cheese mixture into the prepared skillet. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the top to create a melty, golden crust.
- Bake the Dip: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is golden and bubbly. Note that the dip may appear runny immediately after baking but will thicken as it cools.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with crackers or crostini for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- The dip will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly runny when it comes out of the oven.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth, easy-to-mix base.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: shrimp dip, baked shrimp dip, creamy shrimp appetizer, party appetizer, seafood dip, baked cheese dip
