Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe
Few party dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy magic of Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip. Imagine plump shrimp bathed in a rich blend of cheeses, sour cream, and a kiss of Old Bay, gently warmed until irresistibly gooey and scoopable. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this dip hits all the right notes — and did I mention it’s a total breeze thanks to your slow cooker?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip plays a starring role in creating that melty, savory perfection. Nothing fancy here — just a handful of familiar favorites, each one bringing flavor, creaminess, or satisfying texture to the party. Here’s what you’ll need and why you can’t skip a single thing:
- Shrimp: A whole pound of cooked, chopped shrimp brings sweet, succulent seafood flavor to every bite — fresh or thawed frozen both work well.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that dreamy, velvety texture and a hint of tang.
- Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of zip and ensures the dip stays luxuriously smooth.
- Mayonnaise: The secret to an ultra-creamy base with a little extra richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For those stretchy, cheesy strands everyone loves when dipping!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a boost of salty, nutty flavor and helps brown the top edges.
- Diced Green Onions: Pops of freshness and color, adding a gentle oniony bite.
- Minced Garlic: Just two cloves deliver a savory punch that makes the flavors shine.
- Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood spice mix that elevates this dip to a whole new level.
- Hot Sauce (optional): For a gentle kick — add as much or as little as your tastebuds crave.
- Salt and Pepper: Customizes the final flavor to perfection; taste and adjust as you like.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl — you’ll want plenty of space for stirring! Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in that iconic Old Bay seasoning, a dash of hot sauce if you’d like a tingle of heat, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a smooth, beautifully speckled mixture that smells like cheesy heaven.
Step 2: Fold in the Shrimp
Now, gently add the chopped shrimp right into the creamy base. Use a soft spatula to fold them in, making sure every piece is enveloped by the luscious cheeses and seasonings. This step distributes the shrimp so every scoop catches a bit of seafood goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Transfer your mixture to a small (2 or 3-quart) slow cooker. Smooth it out, cover, and set to low. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours, giving it a gentle stir once or twice. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and thoroughly hot throughout — your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip is piping hot and irresistibly melty, switch your slow cooker to the “warm” setting so guests can scoop as they please. Surround it with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear faster than you thought possible.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! Sprinkle extra diced green onions or a little more Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving for added flair and a burst of color. A few tiny shrimp or a dusting of Old Bay on top lets everyone know exactly what’s inside.
Side Dishes
This dip is born to share table space with a crunchy, savory lineup. Think toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, crisp celery, and bell pepper strips — they all dive right in. For a gluten-free crowd, focus on crunchy veggie dippers or certified gluten-free crackers to keep everybody happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip doesn’t have to stay in the slow cooker! Try scooping it into a bread bowl for an edible centerpiece, or divvy it into small ramekins for individual portions. For upscale gatherings, offer the dip on endive leaves or cucumber rounds for a lighter, finger-friendly bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to save any after the party, congratulations! Store leftover Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious.
Freezing
This dip can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly because of the dairy. Let it cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, scoop the dip back into your slow cooker or a baking dish. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until hot and creamy again. If it thickens up, stir in a splash of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are thawed, drained, and patted dry before chopping. This prevents extra water from thinning your dip and keeps the creamy base perfectly thick.
Is Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip spicy?
The base recipe has a gentle heat thanks to Old Bay seasoning and optional hot sauce. Adjust the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne if you’re craving a bigger kick, or leave it out for a milder dip everyone can enjoy.
What should I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy dippers like crostini, sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, and sliced bell peppers. Don’t forget toasted baguette rounds for soaking up every last bit of cheesy shrimp goodness.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You bet! Mix everything together the night before, cover, and chill in the fridge. When party time rolls around, pop it in your slow cooker and cook as directed — it’s as easy as that.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip is naturally gluten-free so long as you use gluten-free dippers. Just double-check any crackers or breads if you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip is the kind of dish that disappears before you can blink — proof that something so easy can still feel truly special. Add it to your next appetizer spread, and watch everyone swoon. Give it a try and savor every melty, seafood-studded bite!
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Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Hot Shrimp Dip, a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Loaded with shrimp, cheeses, and a hint of spice, this dip is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Fold in the chopped shrimp.
- Transfer the mixture to a small (2–3 quart) slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- You can use frozen shrimp—just thaw, drain, and pat dry before using.
- For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
