If you’re craving a dish that’s both irresistibly creamy and bursting with fresh, bright flavors, the Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe is absolutely one to try. This dip combines tender shrimp, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and the sharp bite of green onions all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels fancy yet comes together in a flash, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to game day celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role in the final taste and texture. You’ll find a great balance of creaminess, tanginess, and just the right touch of seafood sweetness that makes every bite deliciously memorable.
- 16 ounces low-fat cream cheese: Provides the rich and creamy base that holds everything together smoothly.
- 1 cup low-fat sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and silky texture for that perfect creaminess.
- ½ cup light mayonnaise: Contributes to the moist texture and deepens the flavor.
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a stretchy, gooey topping and base.
- 1 cup cocktail sauce: Brings a zesty kick with tomato and horseradish that’s balanced by the creamy elements.
- ¾ cup chopped green onion: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 cups cooked shrimp meat (peeled and deveined): The star ingredient, offering tender bites of sweet, delicate seafood in every mouthful.
How to Make Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure your dip doesn’t stick and comes out effortlessly creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mozzarella. Pulse carefully until everything blends into a perfectly creamy mixture. This creates the luscious and velvety foundation of your dip that will melt in the oven beautifully.
Step 3: Mix in Flavor and Crunch
Transfer the creamy blend into a large bowl. Now stir in the cocktail sauce and chopped green onions. This step infuses your dip with layers of tangy zest and bright savory notes, balancing the rich creaminess.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp meat. It’s important to stir carefully so that each piece remains intact and evenly dispersed, ensuring shrimp in every bite once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Hot
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top if you love a golden, cheesy crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip is bubbly, fully heated through, and deliciously melty on top.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once baked, pull your creamy masterpiece out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It’s now primed to be paired with your favorite dippers for that perfect snack or appetizer moment.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and add extra flavor layers. Sprinkle some finely chopped chives or extra green onions for color and a fresh bite. A squeeze of lemon on top just before serving can also brighten the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of crunchy dippers. Think about pita chips, bagel chips, or your favorite tortilla chips to scoop up that cheesy, shrimp-filled goodness. For an even heartier spread, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe in a fun bread bowl to impress guests, or portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings at parties. Another idea is to use colorful vegetable sticks like bell peppers and cucumber slices to add a fresh and healthy twist to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the dip cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where it will remain creamy and flavorful for your next snack craving.
Freezing
Freezing this dip is possible, but not recommended if you want to maintain the best texture. The cream cheese and sour cream can separate slightly after thawing, affecting creaminess. However, if you’d like to freeze, do so in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dip gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it evenly creamy without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before mixing into the dip to avoid excess moisture that could affect texture.
Is this recipe good for low-fat diets?
This recipe uses low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and light mayonnaise to keep it a bit lighter without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
Can I make this dip spicy?
Absolutely! Add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture before baking for a nice spicy kick.
What can I use instead of cocktail sauce?
If you don’t have cocktail sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of ketchup and horseradish or even a spicy marinara to achieve a similar tangy flavor profile.
How long will this dip last once baked?
Once baked, enjoy the dip right away for the best flavor and texture, but it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like an instant crowd-pleaser—rich, flavorful, and comfortingly satisfying all at once. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a delicious snack to treat yourself, this recipe is a fantastic go-to. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
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Creamy Baked Shrimp Dip with Mozzarella and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy and flavorful Shrimp Dip combines low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella with succulent cooked shrimp and a zesty cocktail sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a perfect appetizer for gatherings, served warm with your favorite chips.
Ingredients
Base
- 16 ounces low-fat cream cheese (2 bricks)
- 1 cup low-fat sour cream
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Add-ins
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- ¾ cup chopped green onion
- 2 cups cooked shrimp meat (peeled and deveined; tails cut off)
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Mix base ingredients: In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mozzarella. Pulse until well blended and creamy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dip.
- Combine with flavors: Pour the creamy mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the cocktail sauce and chopped green onions to add zest and freshness.
- Add shrimp: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the dip mixture. Pour this combined dip into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dip is heated through, bubbly, and melty.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with pita chips, bagel chips, wonton chips, tortilla chips, or any of your favorite crunchy dippers.
Notes
- Use low-fat dairy to keep the dip lighter without compromising creaminess.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked before adding to the dip to avoid overcooking in the oven.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the mixture.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
