This shrimp dip recipe is not just any dip; it’s a delightful throwback to classic flavors, reimagined for today’s palate. Inspired by the hearty, comforting style of home cooking made famous by figures like the Pioneer Woman, this creamy, dreamy shrimp dip is destined to be the star of your next gathering. Made with fresh shrimp and simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s an old-school favorite ready to make a grand comeback at your table.
Bowl of creamy shrimp dip garnished with dill and shrimp
If you’re a shrimp enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. This recipe builds on the best qualities of shrimp, enhancing its natural sweetness and texture in a creamy dip that’s simply irresistible. And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy shrimp, why not explore recipes like Italian Olive Oil Shrimp Salad or Roasted Shrimp with Lemon Salsa?
This retro shrimp dip recipe is a nod to those timeless dishes that families have cherished for generations. Perhaps you remember a similar dip from holiday gatherings or potlucks. These recipes, passed down and tweaked over time, often hold the secret to simple yet profound deliciousness. This shrimp dip is precisely that – a classic reborn. While some families might have their own versions using ingredients like smoked salmon, the shrimp variation is undeniably iconic and utterly delicious.
Get ready to experience a dip that’s incredibly easy to make and even more enjoyable to devour. Let’s dive into the kitchen and get cooking!
Fresh vs. Canned Shrimp: Choosing the Best Shrimp for Your Dip
One of the key decisions in making shrimp dip is whether to use fresh or canned shrimp. This recipe champions fresh shrimp, and for good reason. Fresh shrimp brings a level of flavor and sweetness to the dip that canned shrimp simply can’t match. Using fresh shrimp elevates this retro classic from simple to spectacular.
For this recipe, cooked small Oregon pink shrimp are an excellent choice, as used in the original recipe from Vital Choice. Bay shrimp or any other wild-caught shrimp will also work beautifully. If you’re starting with raw shrimp, don’t worry, it’s easy to prepare. Simply poach the shrimp by adding them to a pot of salted boiling water for just 2-3 minutes, until they are cooked through. Immediately cool them, chop them, and they are ready to be added to your dip!
Of course, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or are in a pinch, canned shrimp can be used. Just be sure to drain it very well to avoid a watery dip. However, for the best flavor and texture, fresh shrimp is highly recommended for this Pioneer Woman-inspired shrimp dip.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip: Simple and Flavorful
Detailed measurements are conveniently located in the recipe card at the end of this post, but let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this shrimp dip so special:
- Shrimp: As discussed, fresh cooked shrimp is preferred for its superior flavor. Small bay shrimp or Oregon pink shrimp are ideal choices.
- Cream Cheese: Going traditional is the way to go here. Cream cheese provides the creamy base and classic tang that is essential to a great shrimp dip.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a crucial acidic element, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Greek yogurt can also be used as a tangy substitute.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes to the dip’s creamy texture and adds a touch of richness. Choose a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is the herb of choice, bringing a bright, fresh, and slightly grassy note that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Scallions: Scallions (green onions) provide a mild oniony bite and a pop of color.
- Spices: A blend of Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and pepper creates a balanced and flavorful spice profile. Old Bay is particularly key for that classic seafood dip flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Dip
For this easy shrimp dip recipe, you’ll need just a couple of basic kitchen tools:
- Food Processor or Hand Mixer: A food processor makes quick work of creating a smooth and creamy base for the dip. A hand mixer will also work, especially if your cream cheese is softened.
- Mixing Bowls: If using a hand mixer, you’ll need mixing bowls to combine the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To chop the shrimp and scallions.
Shrimp dip ingredients being processed in a food processor
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Shrimp Dip
This Pioneer Woman-style shrimp dip recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in minutes:
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor or a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, chopped scallions, and fresh dill.
- Whip Until Creamy: Process or mix with a hand mixer until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Shrimp: Add the chopped cooked shrimp to the mixture. If using a food processor, pulse a few times to gently combine the shrimp, being careful not to over-process. If using a hand mixer, stir in the chopped shrimp until evenly distributed.
- Season to Perfection: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, or a bit more hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the shrimp dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a few reserved shrimp, fresh dill sprigs, and sliced scallions, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Shrimp Dip Variations: Customize Your Dip
One of the great things about this shrimp dip recipe is its versatility. Here are a few delicious variations to try, inspired by different flavor profiles:
- Dairy-Free Shrimp Dip: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and plain coconut-based yogurt. You might want to increase the hot sauce or add a squeeze of extra lemon juice to enhance the tanginess.
- Briny Shrimp Dip: Love briny flavors? Add capers and chopped green olives to the dip for a salty, zesty twist.
- Festive Red and Green Shrimp Dip: Make your dip extra festive for holidays by adding diced roasted red peppers and extra sliced green scallions. The red and green colors will make it visually appealing for holiday gatherings.
- Garlic Lover’s Shrimp Dip: For garlic enthusiasts, roast a head of garlic and add the roasted garlic cloves to the cream cheese mixture for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
- Smoked Salmon Dip Variation: As mentioned earlier, a family favorite variation uses smoked salmon instead of shrimp. To make a smoked salmon dip, substitute smoked salmon for the shrimp and add a touch of horseradish for a classic flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Dip
- Can I make shrimp dip ahead of time? Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe. Shrimp dip can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more beautifully overnight.
- What to serve with shrimp dip? The serving options are endless! Crackers are a classic choice – simple water crackers or buttery crackers both work well. Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and celery sticks are also fantastic for dipping. For a heartier option, serve with baguette slices or toasted pita bread.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Dip
- Tip #1: Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before starting. This makes it much easier to blend and prevents lumps in your dip.
- Tip #2: Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly: After cooking or draining your shrimp, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This removes excess moisture and prevents a watery dip.
Dietary Modifications for Shrimp Dip
This shrimp dip recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: The dip itself is gluten-free. Simply serve it with gluten-free crackers, vegetables, or gluten-free bread.
- Low FODMAP: This recipe is low FODMAP friendly if you tolerate dairy products.
- Keto-Friendly: Shrimp dip is naturally keto-friendly due to its high fat and low carbohydrate content. Serve with keto-friendly vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or cucumber for dipping.
Close up of carrot and cucumber sticks dipped into shrimp dip
Get ready to wow your guests with this Pioneer Woman-inspired Retro Shrimp Dip! It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make – the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag @abrapappa on Instagram or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so we can see your delicious dip!
If you try this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! Your feedback is always appreciated.
Bowl of creamy shrimp dip garnished with dill and shrimp
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip Recipe
By Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN
This freshened-up version of a retro classic is sure to be a hit at your next party. The best ever shrimp dip, using fresh shrimp and a few simple wholesome ingredients. This old-school favorite is ready for a comeback!
4.88 from 8 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings (as appetizer)
Calories: 116 kcal
Equipment
- Food Processor or Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp (small bay shrimp or Oregon pink shrimp are ideal). Reserve a few for garnish
- 8 ounces cream cheese (Ideally room temperature)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 3 large scallions, chopped (if using a food processor chop scallions into large bits and allow the food processor to chop further. Reserve a bit for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (Reserve a bit for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Roughly chop shrimp and set aside.
- Using a food processor: Add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Old Bay to food processor and pulse until well combined, whipped, and creamy. Add shrimp to food processor and pulse until combined. Taste for seasoning, add dill, salt, and pepper and pulse until combined.
- Using a hand mixer: Add cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to a mixing bowl and using a hand mixer, mix until well combined and smooth. Stir in all other ingredients (make sure scallions are diced and shrimp are well chopped)
- Top with reserved shrimp, fresh dill, and diced scallions. Serve with veggies and crackers.
Recipe Notes
*Nutrition facts do not include crackers or veggies and are based on 12 servings as an appetizer.*
Modifications:
*If you are starting with raw shrimp, poach the shrimp first by adding to salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking and then dry well on a clean kitchen towel.
*If you’d like to use canned shrimp, drain well.
Nutrition
Serving: 12 servings as appetizer
Calories: 116kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 257mg
Potassium: 70mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 370IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 36mg
Iron: 1mg
Snap a photo when you try this recipe! Tag me! @abrapappa or #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
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