If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the fresh, briny flavor of shrimp, you’ve found it. This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe blends tender shrimp with a rich medley of cheeses and zesty seasonings, all perfectly melded in the slow cooker for an irresistibly warm and comforting dip. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something indulgent, this dip delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it an instant favorite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple yet stellar lineup of ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dip. The balance of cheeses creates incredible creaminess and depth, while the shrimp adds a delightful bite. The seasonings uplift the dish with a dash of spice and freshness that you’ll love.
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped: Adds succulent seafood flavor and texture without fuss.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that melts into smooth richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it boosts the cheesiness in every mouthful.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory note that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a silky texture that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup diced green onions: Offers a fresh, slightly pungent crunch and a pop of color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dip with warmth and a subtle bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the richness with a hint of citrus zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning for a comforting spiced kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a gentle warmth to the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Tortilla chips or crackers: Perfect vehicles for scooping up this luscious dip.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe
Step 1: Create the Base Mixture
Start by combining your cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Mixing these ingredients together at this point is crucial to get a smooth, evenly flavored foundation. The variety of cheeses ensures that your dip will be creamy yet full of character.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Next, fold in the chopped shrimp carefully. You want to distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the cheesy mixture so each bite showcases that succulent seafood element. Don’t be shy here—shrimp is the star of the show.
Step 3: Let it Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow the dip to cook for roughly two hours, stirring occasionally to keep everything from sticking or burning on the edges. This slow cook method melts the cheeses perfectly and allows the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a hot, bubbly, and irresistible dip.
Step 4: Final Stir and Taste
After your dip has fully melted and heated through, give it one last thorough stir. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor balance. Now is the time to adjust seasoning if needed—perhaps a pinch more salt, pepper, or Old Bay to suit your taste buds.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe right from the slow cooker on the warm setting, which keeps it perfectly heated for your guests. For an extra special touch, transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and broil it briefly to get a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Don’t forget plenty of tortilla chips, crackers, or even toasted bread slices for dipping!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dip visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional diced green onions. A few slices of bright red chili can add a pop of color and intriguing heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy dip pairs beautifully with light sides such as crisp vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers, celery) or a simple mixed green salad to balance the indulgence. It also works wonderfully alongside crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for a hearty spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or in small individual ramekins for easy portioning at parties. You can also accompany it with a colorful charcuterie board stocked with olives, nuts, and cured meats for a party-perfect centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, maintaining the flavors and creaminess you love.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip, be aware that the texture of the cheese and shrimp might change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, place the dip in a freezer-safe container and consume it within two months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dip in a microwave or oven, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency. Using a low-temperature setting ensures the shrimp remain tender and the cheese does not separate.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp in the Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp as the recipe calls for, since raw shrimp may overcook and become rubbery during the long slow cooking time. Pre-cooked shrimp ensures the texture stays tender and delicious.
Is this dip very spicy?
This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the Old Bay seasoning and paprika, making it approachable for most palates. You can always increase the spice by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for sour cream?
Yes! If you prefer, sour cream can replace mayonnaise to give the dip a tangier flavor and slightly lighter texture. It’s a great swap if you want a fresher taste.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly in a slow cooker?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, and stir the dip occasionally during the cooking process. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the cheeses melt together uniformly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Absolutely. This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe scales up nicely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased quantity, or consider using two slow cookers.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe is a game-changer for entertaining or whenever you want a comfort food fix that feels special. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this cheesy, shrimp-filled dip becomes one of your go-to favorites, just like mine!
Print
Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for gatherings. Made with a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and succulent cooked shrimp, seasoned with Old Bay and garlic, it’s slow-cooked to bubbly perfection. Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers for an irresistible party dip.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a slow cooker, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Add the shrimp: Stir in the roughly chopped, cooked shrimp, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the cheesy mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Slow cook the dip: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 2 hours. Allow the cheeses to melt fully and the dip to become hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning along the edges.
- Final stir and seasoning check: After cooking, give the dip a final stir to combine the melted cheeses and shrimp evenly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning as preferred.
- Serve warm: Serve the dip straight from the slow cooker on the warm setting to keep it heated. Alternatively, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil briefly for a browned, crispy cheesy top. Provide tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices for dipping.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time and ensure shrimp remain tender.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the cheese mixture from sticking or burning on the sides of the slow cooker.
- You can substitute Old Bay seasoning with your favorite seafood or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
