A creamy, bubbly shrimp dip loaded with melted cheese and paired with crispy golden garlic toast. This irresistible appetizer is rich, savory, and perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want something warm and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hot cheesy shrimp dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. It combines tender shrimp with garlic, cream cheese, and melted cheeses for a smooth and flavorful dip that’s both elegant and easy to make. The garlic toast adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for guests. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a cozy evening at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the shrimp dip:
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the garlic toast:
1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the cooked shrimp mixture and chopped parsley. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches) and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
While the dip is baking, prepare the garlic toast. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Serve the hot cheesy shrimp dip immediately with the warm garlic toast.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8 people as an appetizer
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions for extra freshness and flavor.
Substitute Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese for a slightly different cheesy profile.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream.
You can also add finely chopped spinach or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Garlic toast is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before chopping and cooking.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time in the skillet to avoid overcooking. Simply sauté briefly with garlic to warm through.
What type of shrimp works best?
Medium or large shrimp work best because they provide good texture and flavor.
Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?
You can substitute the mayonnaise with additional sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Is this dip very cheesy?
Yes, it has a rich, cheesy flavor balanced by the shrimp and garlic.
Can I serve this without garlic toast?
Absolutely. It pairs well with crackers, toasted pita, or sliced vegetables.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming oily?
Make sure not to overbake it. Bake just until bubbly and lightly golden.
Can I freeze the dip?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese and shrimp may change after thawing.
How do I know when the dip is done baking?
The dip should be hot throughout, bubbling around the edges, and slightly golden on top.
Conclusion
Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip with Garlic Toast is a rich, satisfying appetizer that combines creamy cheeses, tender shrimp, and aromatic garlic into one irresistible dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it’s a guaranteed favorite for parties, gatherings, or any special occasion. Serve it warm and watch it disappear quickly.
A creamy, bubbly shrimp dip loaded with tender shrimp, garlic, and melted cheeses, served alongside crispy golden garlic toast. This warm and savory appetizer is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Stir in garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Add cooked shrimp and parsley, mixing until well combined.
Transfer mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
For the garlic toast, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush generously with garlic butter mixture.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve the hot shrimp dip immediately with warm garlic toast.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
Stir in chopped green onions for added freshness.
Substitute Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different cheese flavors.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream.
Avoid overbaking to prevent excess oil separation.
Dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and baked before serving.
