Name: BEST Cream Cheese SHRIMP DIP (with cocktail sauce)
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 jar cocktail sauce (use 8-12 oz depending on platter size); 1-2 cans tiny shrimp, well-drained (I used Bumble Bee brand); hot sauce (optional); parsley, chopped (optional); Original Wheat Thins (see notes)

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This cool cream cheese shrimp dip is an easy appetizer to make with only three ingredients. All you need is a block of softened cream cheese, canned tiny shrimp, and cocktail sauce. Try this layered shrimp cocktail dip at your next party, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

cream cheese shrimp Dip with cocktail sauce on a black platter with crackers

This good dip has a little bit of that tangy flavor from the cocktail sauce and a creamy texture from the cream cheese to make your taste buds happy. You can also add a dash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. This is one of my favorite recipes with simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The ingredients will last a while on the shelf and it is the easiest dip to make that looks so elegant!

cream cheese shrimp Dip with cocktail sauce on a black platter, half eaten

This cream cheese shrimp dip is the perfect appetizer for many special occasions particularly during the holiday season. This is the best shrimp dip for Christmas in my opinion. I love the red sauce against the white cream cheese and you can add parsley for that Christmas green color too.

I grew up seeing this dip at my grandma Elaine’s every Christmas Eve. This was always served on her buffet alongside other yummy party dips and appetizers. It has made its way into even more holiday parties and gatherings through the years such as New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Super Bowl Sunday!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

8 oz cream cheese, softened (you can also try low-fat cream cheese)
1 jar cocktail sauce (8-12 oz)
1-2 cans tiny shrimp
OPTIONAL – hot sauce added to the cocktail sauce
OPTIONAL – chopped parsley

bottle of hot sauce and parsley leaves on a white counter

How to Make Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

Make sure the block of cream cheese has had time to soften so that it is easy to spread. You can try to carefully thaw it in the microwave if you don’t have the time to allow it to thaw on the counter. Drain the shrimp in a strainer. Try not to squeeze the shrimp as they can easily break apart. Evenly spread the room-temperature cream cheese onto a small to medium-sized platter or dinner plate. I used a bagel spreader.

white bowl with small shrimp, second white bowl with cocktail sauce, and black platter with cream cheese spread out on it

OPTIONAL: If adding hot sauce….mix hot sauce with the cocktail sauce in a bowl before spreading it onto the cream cheese. Start with 1/2 – 1 teaspoon and add more if you like more heat. Spread evenly a layer of cocktail sauce on top of the cream cheese layer, I used the back of a spoon to spread it. You may find you do not need all the cocktail sauce depending on the size of the platter or plate.

white bowl with mini shrimp and a black platter with cream cheese and cocktail sauce laying on a white counter

Next, add the shrimp. Separate the whole pieces of shrimp from the broken ones. I prefer to evenly spread out the small pieces of broken shrimp first. Then lay the whole shrimp pieces out evenly next so they will be visible. Maybe I am being a perfectionist with this step. Feel free to sprinkle all the shrimp at once if you don’t want to take the time to do this. Yay for free spirits!

cream cheese shrimp Dip with cocktail sauce on a black platter

OPTIONAL: You can sprinkle chopped parsley on top!

My grandma always served this dip with Original Wheat Thin crackers as they rarely break in the cream cheese. Make sure you have something sturdy for dipping. You could also try pita chips, and celery sticks, or leave a spreader out to spread it onto bread or softer crackers.

shrimp Dip on a platter surrounded with crackers

How to Store Shrimp Dip

This is a quick appetizer to throw together! You can eat the dip right away but it is best to chill it for at least an hour first. You can prepare the dip the morning of the party or the night before.

Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This dip can get runny if not eaten within a couple of days.

When serving, do not let the dip sit out for longer than 2 hours.

I hope you enjoy this cold shrimp dip recipe! It is the perfect choice for a quick and tasty appetizer!

Here are more of my easy seafood appetizers…..

Easy Smoked Tuna Dip (10 min or less)

The Best Smoked Tuna Dip (baked with cream cheese)

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”

– James Beard

BEST Cream Cheese SHRIMP DIP (with cocktail sauce)

This cold cream cheese shrimp dip recipe is an easy appetizer to make with only three ingredients. All you need is a block of softened cream cheese, canned tiny shrimp, and shrimp cocktail sauce. Try this layered shrimp dip at your next party, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Prep Time 10

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened
1 jar cocktail sauce use 8-12 oz depending on platter size
1-2 cans tiny shrimp, well-drained I used Bumble Bee brand
hot sauce optional
parsley, chopped optional
Original Wheat Thins see notes

Instructions

Drain the shrimp in a strainer. Try not to squeeze the shrimp as they can easily break apart.
While the shrimp are draining, spread the softened cream cheese onto a small to medium-sized platter, tray, or dinner plate. Spread evenly.
OPTIONAL: If adding hot sauce….mix hot sauce with the cocktail sauce in a bowl before spreading it onto the cream cheese. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if you like more heat.
Then evenly spread the cocktail sauce on top of the cream cheese. You may find you don't need all of the cocktail sauce depending on the size of the platter.
Next, add the shrimp. Separate the whole shrimp pieces from the broken ones. Lay the broken pieces out evenly first then the whole shrimp pieces so that they will be more visible.
OPTIONAL: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
You can eat immediately. Best to chill the dip in the fridge for at least one hour up to the night before serving the dip.

Notes

For Dipping – Wheat thins have been the preferred mode of dipping as it is a sturdy cracker and rarely breaks in the cream cheese. You could try pita chips, celery, or any other strong cracker. You may want to serve the dip with a cream cheese knife as well.

Store the shrimp dip in an air-tight container or wrap it tightly.

Eat within 2 days of preparing before the dip becomes runny.

Do not let the dip sit out for longer than 2 hours without something to keep it cool.

You can also use low-fat cream cheese.

I used a bagel spreader to spread the cream cheese and the back of a spoon to spread the cocktail sauce.

Enjoy!