Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip

The Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip brings together everything you love about classic shrimp cocktail, but with a rich, melty twist. Cream cheese, horseradish, and chili sauce give this dip the bold and tangy flavor you crave, while juicy shrimp and gooey mozzarella make it completely irresistible.

Perfect for game day, holidays, or anytime you’re hosting guests, this dip is sure to be the center of attention. It’s quick to prepare, bakes beautifully, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Serve it with crackers or crusty bread and watch it vanish in minutes!

Full Recipe:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chili sauce
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Crackers or bread, for serving

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chopped shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until just pink. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add chili sauce, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and stir until fully incorporated.

Fold in the cooked shrimp and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish with parsley and serve warm with crackers or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Overview

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines rich, creamy textures with the bold, briny flavors of seafood, then this Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip is your golden ticket. This warm, cheesy delight takes all the zesty charm of a classic shrimp cocktail and cranks it up a notch with melty mozzarella, tangy horseradish, and chili sauce baked to bubbling perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a holiday party, or just indulging in a decadent snack night, this dip is destined to be the centerpiece of your spread. It’s one of those recipes that disappears from the table almost instantly—yes, it’s that good.

History and Origin

Shrimp cocktail, in its chilled and sauced glory, first made waves in the United States during the early 20th century, often served in cocktail glasses at upscale restaurants. But its roots go back even further, with seafood cocktails appearing in British and Latin cuisines in different forms—often involving shellfish served with vinegar or spicy tomato-based sauces.

The transformation of shrimp cocktail into a hot dip is a more modern innovation. As American home cooking evolved, particularly in the mid-to-late 20th century, comfort foods and warm dips became increasingly popular for entertaining. With the advent of processed cheeses and convenience foods, home cooks began exploring fusion dishes that layered classic flavors into new formats. The Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip takes that beloved chilled appetizer and reimagines it for the oven—infusing creaminess, richness, and warmth that makes it ideal for colder weather and more indulgent settings.

While not traditional in any one culture, this dish represents the spirit of American culinary creativity: take what’s familiar and give it a comfort-food makeover. It also nods to Cajun and Creole traditions with the use of seafood and spice, though in a far more subtle and crowd-friendly form.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip is its versatility. While the standard recipe features a mixture of cream cheese, horseradish, chili sauce, and shrimp, you can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have in your fridge.

Spicy Cajun Kick: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat. Some versions even fold in diced jalapeños for a bold punch.
Tex-Mex Twist: Replace chili sauce with salsa, add a sprinkle of taco seasoning, and use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a Southwestern flair.

Luxury Upgrade: Add lump crab meat or lobster chunks alongside the shrimp for a more decadent dip perfect for special occasions.
Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and low-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing too much flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Not in the mood for seafood? Swap the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a creamy vegetarian dip with similar texture and richness.

As always, feel free to experiment with herbs and spices—dill, chives, or smoked paprika all bring interesting layers of flavor to this already vibrant dish.

Nutritional Information

Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside a typical serving of Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip. A generous 1/6th portion (roughly ½ cup) offers an estimated 310 calories, which includes a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Protein: With shrimp as the main ingredient, you’re getting a solid protein boost—roughly 15–18 grams per serving. Shrimp is a lean protein, low in fat but high in muscle-building nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
Fat: The dip is undeniably rich, with around 20 grams of fat per serving, most of which comes from the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mozzarella. You can reduce this by using low-fat dairy products.

Carbohydrates: Expect around 8–10 grams of carbs, mainly from the sauces and dairy components. If served with crackers or bread, this number will go up, depending on your choice of dippers.
Micronutrients: Shrimp brings iodine, zinc, and phosphorus to the mix, all of which are vital for immune function and energy production. Garlic and horseradish also have trace antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory properties.

While this dish is certainly indulgent, it can be part of a balanced diet when served mindfully, especially if paired with vegetable dippers or whole-grain bread.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. Here are a few creative and tasty options to make the most of this addictive appetizer:

Classic Cracker Combo: Serve with buttery Ritz crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips for a classic and satisfying crunch.
Low-Carb Love: For a keto-friendly or low-carb approach, serve with sliced cucumber rounds, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or even crispy cheese crisps.
Mini Bread Bowls: Hollow out small dinner rolls and spoon the dip inside for adorable individual portions. It’s a party favorite and cuts down on mess.

As a Filling: Use the dip as a filling in puff pastry shells or wonton cups for an elevated hors d’oeuvre at fancier gatherings.
Drink Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly Prosecco complements the richness of the dip. If you’re in the mood for beer, go with a light lager or a citrusy IPA.

No matter how you serve it, just be prepared for it to vanish fast. You might want to double the recipe!

Tips and Tricks for Success

Want to make sure your dip turns out flawless every time? Here are a few expert-level tips to guide you:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—usually in under 4 minutes. Overcooking can lead to rubbery texture, which can throw off the entire dish. Aim for just-pink, then pull them off the heat.
Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can be stubborn to mix. Let it soften at room temperature before blending to achieve that silky smooth texture.
Pre-Grate Your Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating fresh mozzarella yourself results in a gooier, more cohesive dip.

Add Heat Gradually: Not everyone loves spice, so start mild with horseradish and chili sauce. You can always add more if you need extra zing.
Broil at the End: For that golden, slightly crispy top layer, broil the dip for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Potential Health Benefits

While the word “dip” might not usually scream “healthy,” this one does offer a few surprising nutritional upsides thanks to its key ingredients:

Shrimp is low in calories and high in quality protein, as well as containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for supporting brain and heart health.
Horseradish isn’t just about heat—it contains glucosinolates, which may support detoxification and offer antimicrobial benefits.

Garlic adds more than just flavor. It’s been linked to improved cardiovascular health and immune support, thanks to its high content of allicin.
Parsley, often used as garnish, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and can contribute subtle antioxidant benefits.

So while this dip leans indulgent, it’s not entirely without merit in the health department—especially when made with care and served in reasonable portions.

Conclusion

Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip is the kind of recipe that embodies comfort, celebration, and indulgence—all in one bubbling, golden-brown dish. It fuses the familiar flavors of a shrimp cocktail with the soul-warming appeal of a hot, cheesy appetizer, resulting in something uniquely crave-worthy.

Whether you’re gathering with family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dip promises to deliver satisfaction by the spoonful. With its rich layers, adaptable flavor profile, and easy prep, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers and comfort food fans alike.

So the next time you need an appetizer that’s as impressive as it is delicious, give this Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.