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
Scale
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.
