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Home » Recipes » Snacks and Appetizer Recipes

Easy Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Modified: Oct 28, 2023 by Kori Butler · Published: Dec 6, 2022

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This tasty cream cheese shrimp dip recipe might literally be the fastest and easiest appetizer recipe ever! Make this cold shrimp dip with only 3 ingredients and less than 3 minutes to prepare! Keep ingredients on hand for a quick appetizer when the inevitable drop-in guests arrive. 🙂

Shrimp dip served in a white rectangle dish.Pin

Why You'll ❤️ This Cold Shrimp Dip

"Flashback! This shrimp dip brings back so many memories! I had an Aunt that used to bring this dip to every family party, and it was always a hit. (I won't say what decade as that might age me)" 🙂 -Kori

Super Easy Appetizer! With 3 simple ingredients, this can easily be made in less than 3 minutes. The ingredients can be kept on hand for last-minute guests, too - which you will love. Jazz it up with sliced green onions or fresh dill if desired.

Tasty Appetizer Recipe. Shrimp and cocktail sauce is an amazing combination that almost everyone loves. Turned into a cold cream cheese dip with shrimp - it's even tastier! Serve with crackers or veggies. Yum.

Keto Shrimp Dip. While this dip is perfect for everyone, it definitely falls into the low carb and keto diet nicely. Low carb watchers and keto dieters can dip their favorite veggies, while others can eat with crackers.

Shrimp Dip Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients needed for making shrimp dip

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this shrimp dip recipe:

  • Cocktail Sauce - Try my homemade sugar-free cocktail sauce - it's super easy! This dip is only as good as your cocktail sauce. Make sure it's good quality and a favorite! Keto followers make sure it is a keto-friendly sauce and sugar-free). Make it spicier by adding hot sauce to the cocktail sauce.
  • Canned Shrimp - you can also use cooked chopped shrimp, thawed, frozen or fresh (cooked) shrimp. Use the small salad shrimp, or medium sized is fine. You can also substitute crabmeat if desired.
  • Cream Cheese - use regular or nonfat - softened.
  • Optional for garnish - sliced green onions, chopped fresh chives or dill.

💡Tip: make sure to use a favorite cocktail sauce that you've tested and love! This dip is as good as your cocktail sauce.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

A white rectangle platter with shrimp dip.Pin

What is the best Keto Cocktail Sauce?

A keto cocktail sauce should contain no sugar. Every brand has a different taste so the best choice will be according to your personal preference. However, the best keto cocktail sauce is super simple to make yourself. Mix 1 cup sugar free ketchup, ½ tablespoon of creamy horseradish, and a pinch or two of allulose (or other sweetener) together in a small bowl. Adjust the flavors according to your tastes. That’s all there is to it!

Shrimp Cream Cheese Dip Variations to try

  • Spicy - add chili pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the cocktail sauce.
  • Use a chive cream cheese.
  • Chili sauce can be substituted for cocktail sauce.
  • Old bay seasoning can be added to the cocktail sauce or sprinkled on top of the shrimp.
  • Canned crabmeat can be substituted for the canned shrimp. Shrimp can be chopped and used in place of canned.
  • Make it a hot shrimp dip - bake in the oven just until warmed through. I like to add the shrimp in the last few minutes because if baked too long, they can become rubbery.

How To Make Shrimp Dip

Spreading cream cheese on a white platter to make shrimp dip.

1. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature, make the cocktail sauce, and thaw the shrimp if needed.

Spreading cocktail sauce over cream cheese to make easy shrimp dip.

2. Place the cream cheese in the bottom of a dish. You can spread it out slightly or leave it in its original shape.

Topping the cream cheese with shrimp from making shrimp dip.

3. Spread cocktail sauce over the top, then top with shrimp.

How to Serve Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Dipping a cracker into shrimp dip.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh dill, chives, or sliced green onions. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice for more zest.
  • Serve with raw veggies such as carrot and celery sticks and crackers.
  • I include a small cocktail spreader or butter knife, which makes it easier to spread on crackers.

How to Store Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

Leftover shrimp dip can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It cannot be frozen, unfortunately.

Cold Shrimp Dip FAQs

Can I substitute fresh shrimp for canned shrimp?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cooked shrimp. If the shrimp are on the larger side, make sure to chop them as it's easier to serve on veggies or crackers.

Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this appetizer up ahead of time, but it only takes 3 minutes, so it's super easy to make it right before you want to serve it. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
If you do make this ahead of time, cover and refrigerate. Remove about 30 minutes before serving to make sure it is soft enough.

How long will this appetizer keep?

This appetizer will keep up to 4 days.

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Shrimp dip garnished with dill.

Shrimp Cream Cheese Dip

Only 3 ingredients and 3 minutes to make this tasty dip! Keep the ingredients on hand for a last minute party appetizer.
4.67 from 12 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Total Time 3 minutes mins
Course Appetizer and Snack Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces cocktail sauce (use regular or sugar free)
  • 6 ounces canned shrimp (or, diced cooked frozen or fresh shrimp)
  • 8 ounce block of cream cheese (at room temperature)

Instructions
 

  • Lay room temperature cream cheese in a dish. You can spread it out slightly, or leave it as is. 
    Spreading cream cheese on a white platter to make shrimp dip.
  • Pour cocktail sauce over the top of cream cheese
    Spreading cocktail sauce over cream cheese to make easy shrimp dip.
  • Top with shrimp. Garnish with fresh or dried dill.
    Topping the cream cheese with shrimp from making shrimp dip.
  • Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
    Dipping a cracker into shrimp dip.

Video

Kori's Tips

Tip: Make sure to use a favorite cocktail sauce that you've tested and love! This dip is as good as your cocktail sauce.
If desired, you can garnish with dill, parsley, sliced green onions, and some salt & pepper.
Serve with raw veggies and crackers. A small cocktail or butter knife make it easier to spread on crackers.
Feel free to double the shrimp! You can use canned, fresh, or thawed frozen cooked shrimp. Larger shrimp should be diced. Crabmeat can also be substituted.

Nutrition

Serving: 3ozCalories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 4.5gFat: 7.9gCholesterol: 59.4mgSodium: 266mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

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This shrimp dip will be your favorite easy appetizer recipe! This gluten free, low carb, and keto appetizer is so quick it will blow you away - less than 3 minutes to make! Keep ingredients for a spur-of-the-moment snack recipe! A perfect make-ahead appetizer for your next party, cookout, or holiday gathering. Serve with fresh veggies and crackers. #easydip #shrimp #appetizer #easyappetizer #holidayrecipe #partydip #seekinggoodeats #keto #lowcarb #seafood #seafoodappetizer #healthysnack #partysnack

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol

    February 05, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    I also use these ingredients, but
    stir them together to become a
    spread.
    Wondering : could this be made ahead and frozen ?

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      February 20, 2023 at 9:03 am

      Great idea that works too! I have not frozen this recipe, but I believe you could! Cream cheese is freezable and I don't see why the shrimp or cocktail sauce couldn't be either. Let me know!

      Reply
  2. Kathy

    July 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    Great recipes!!! Thank you so much getting so excited about cooking healthy. Thank for easy printable recipes.

    Reply
    • Kori

      July 21, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      Awwww...thank you for trying them out! Glad you are enjoying them! 🙂

      Reply
  3. April

    March 18, 2022 at 10:58 am

    Love the shrimp idea, we have always made this with imitation crab meat and has always been a big hit at party’s.

    Reply
    • Kori

      March 18, 2022 at 11:15 am

      Thank you!! Super happy you loved this recipe! My Aunt brought this to our family get-togethers growing up!

      Reply
  4. Susan Meredith

    July 22, 2021 at 11:26 am

    I have had this recipe for a long time, but do it a bit differently. I buy a bag of small frozen shrimp, when I defrost I save the juice and mix it with the cream cheese to make it an easier spread on the plate. On top of that I sprinkle dry minced onion to cover and then the shrimp. I refrigerate over night and when ready to serve I top with cocktail sauce. Keeps it from being runny or mushy. So good!

    Reply
    • Kori

      August 13, 2021 at 9:32 am

      I love your ideas and I bet it is super delicious! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
4.67 from 12 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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