If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly irresistible appetizer, look no further than this Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe. Imagine tender, succulent shrimp infused with garlic and white wine, blended into a luscious mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, topped with a crunchy, golden panko crust. This dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser, oozing with rich flavors and just the right amount of spice to keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, this Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressive yet simple entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy richness of the cheeses to the bold brightness of fresh garlic and lemon zest. Together, they create a flavor harmony that makes this dip truly one-of-a-kind.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, at room temperature): Provides the silky, creamy base that binds all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds gooey, melty texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Contributes moisture and a smooth finish to the dip.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, divided): Offers a salty, nutty depth of flavor, crucial to the classic scampi taste.
- Panko breadcrumbs (4 tablespoons, divided): Creates a crispy topping that contrasts the sumptuous filling beautifully.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances every ingredient, making flavors pop.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking shrimp and mixing with panko to add richness and golden color.
- Fresh shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, tails removed): The star ingredient—sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked for maximum flavor.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with that signature savory aroma you expect from scampi.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Provides just a hint of heat to lift the dish without overwhelming it.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup, such as Chardonnay): Adds acidity and subtle fruit notes, elevating the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, chopped): Brightens the dip with herbaceous freshness and a pop of color.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Injects a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Toasted bread rounds, crackers, or chips: For dipping into the glorious cheesy shrimp mixture.
How to Make Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese Base
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to go once your dip is assembled. While it heats, place that luscious cream cheese in a large bowl and beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. This step ensures the dip will be perfectly silky without any lumps.
Step 2: Mix in the Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, and Cheeses
Next, add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the cream cheese, blending everything together until fully combined. Then, fold in shredded mozzarella, half the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs, and half the kosher salt. This mixture will be the rich, cheesy foundation that makes this dip utterly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
Dice your shrimp into bite-sized pieces, around a quarter to half an inch, so they integrate beautifully into every spoonful of dip. This makes each mouthful a delightful balance of shrimp and cheese.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic because it can turn bitter. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with a quarter teaspoon of salt and red pepper flakes, then cook until the shrimp begin turning pink—about two minutes.
Step 5: Simmer with White Wine
Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook another two minutes until the shrimp are perfectly done but still tender. There will be some flavorful liquid left in the pan—that’s exactly what we want to keep all those savory juices in your dip!
Step 6: Combine and Assemble the Dip
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the shrimp mixture to cool for about 15 minutes; this keeps the cheese mixture from melting too quickly when combined. Stir the shrimp and juices into the cream cheese base until evenly blended, then transfer everything into a prepared 2-quart baking dish.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping and Bake
Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter, chopped parsley, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, lemon zest, and the rest of the Parmesan. Sprinkle this fragrant, crunchy topping evenly over the dip. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling hot.
How to Serve Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant touch of color and a hint of fresh herb flavor, lifting the dish’s rich profile. A little extra lemon zest right before serving can also make the flavors pop delightfully.
Side Dishes
This dip shines as the centerpiece of any gathering served alongside toasted bread rounds, crispy crackers, or sturdy chips that hold up to scooping. For a lighter balance, fresh vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, or cucumber are excellent for dipping while adding some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dip in a rustic ceramic dish with a colorful napkin and an array of dippers arranged artfully around it to make your table inviting and festive. Consider pairing it with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemony and garlicky notes in the dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can enjoy it again without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
While this dip is best fresh, it can be frozen for up to one month. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container without the topping to maintain the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding a fresh breadcrumb topping.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of panko and a drizzle of butter on top before baking again to restore the golden, crisp crust that makes this dip so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This will prevent excess moisture and ensure your dip doesn’t become watery.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to keep the bright flavor that wine brings to the dish.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all! The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish, making it perfect even for sensitive palates.
Can I prepare this dip vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with non-dairy cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version, though the flavor and texture will be different.
How long does this dip keep warm after baking?
The dip will stay warm and bubbly for about 20 to 30 minutes after removing from the oven. For longer gatherings, consider serving it in a small slow cooker to maintain its temperature.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe that captures the heart of every party and family gathering. Its creamy, garlicky, and slightly zesty profile is hard to resist and even harder to put down. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s not just a dip, but a delicious experience that brings everyone together around the table. Enjoy every cheesy, shrimp-filled bite!
Print
Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 appetizer servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip is a deliciously creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining tender shrimp cooked in garlic, white wine, and a blend of cheeses with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, this dip is warm, bubbly, and irresistible when served with toasted bread rounds, crackers, or chips.
Ingredients
Cheese and Cream Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 4 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs (divided)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)
Shrimp Mixture
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined and tails removed)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For Serving
- Toasted bread rounds (or crackers or chips for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the dip later.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: Add sour cream and mayonnaise to the cream cheese and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Mix in mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs, and half of the kosher salt; combine thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Shrimp: Cut the shrimp into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces for easy mixing and even cooking.
- Cook Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds without browning. Add shrimp, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes; cook until shrimp start turning pink, about 2 minutes.
- Simmer with Wine: Pour in white wine, bring to a simmer, and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked but there’s still some liquid left.
- Cool Shrimp Mixture: Remove skillet from heat and let the shrimp mixture cool for 15 minutes to avoid melting the cream cheese mixture when combined.
- Combine Shrimp and Cheese Mixtures: Stir the cooled shrimp mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour dip into a 2-quart baking dish lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Smooth the surface gently.
- Prepare Topping: Mix remaining 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter, remaining Parmesan cheese, parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the dip. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dip is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dip to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking, then serve warm with toasted bread rounds, crackers, or sturdy chips for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Do not overcook garlic to prevent bitterness; just 30 seconds until fragrant is ideal.
- You can substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth if preferred for a non-alcoholic option.
- Letting the shrimp mixture cool before mixing with the cheeses prevents curdling or melting the cream cheese mixture.
- Use sturdy bread or chips for dipping to hold the warm, cheesy dip without breaking.
