Southern Shrimp Dip: The One You’ll Want to Bring to Every Gathering

Alright, sugar — if you’ve never had Southern shrimp dip before, bless your heart, because you’re about to meet your new go-to dish. This stuff is ridiculous in the best way. It’s creamy, just a touch spicy, and loaded with tender chunks of shrimp. It’s one of those things that seems fancy but takes barely any effort, which honestly makes it even better.

We’ve had this at everything from baby showers to backyard BBQs — and no matter the crowd, there’s always someone hovering near the bowl, scooping up “just one more bite.” You know the type. (Sometimes it’s me. Sometimes it’s you. No judgment.)

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dip

• It’s real food — not that weird neon stuff you find at the store.

• Takes minutes to throw together — no cooking if your shrimp is already done.

• Crowd-pleaser — works with fancy crackers or plain ol’ Ritz.

• Make-ahead friendly — tastes better after hanging out in the fridge a bit.

• Flexible flavor — you can make it spicy or mild, chunky or smooth.

What You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (you can use frozen and thawed)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temp makes mixing easier)

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s if you’re in the South — just sayin’)

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or less if Grandma’s coming over)

• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Make It — Step by Step, Nice and Easy

1. Start with the creamy stuff.
In a big bowl, mix your softened cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream until it’s smooth and dreamy. You want it creamy, not clumpy — so give it a little love.

2. Add the seasonings.
Lemon juice, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne — stir it all in. Give it a little taste. You want a bit of tang and just a whisper of heat.

3. Fold in the shrimp and green onions.
Be gentle here — the shrimp already did the hard work by tasting amazing. Just mix until everything’s tucked in nice and even.

4. Taste and tweak.
Add salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if it needs a kick. Every shrimp’s different, so trust your tongue.

5. Chill.
Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour so everything can get cozy. Overnight’s even better if you’ve got the time.

6. Serve it cold with whatever you like to dip:

• Baguette slices

• Tortilla chips

• Celery sticks

• Crackers (buttery ones are the best, in my humble opinion)

Or heck, just stand there with a spoon. I’ve been there. No shame.

Make It Your Own

This dip’s easy to play with. Here are a few ways to tweak it:

• Mild version? Skip the cayenne or use just a pinch.

• Like it hot? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some minced jalapeño.

• Fresh herbs? Dill or parsley gives it a bright little lift.

• Crab lover? Swap some or all of the shrimp for lump crab meat.

• Smoked flavor? A touch of smoked paprika changes the whole mood.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers, just store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2–3 days. Stir before serving again — it might firm up a bit overnight.

A Little Southern Love Before You Go

This recipe isn’t complicated. It’s not gourmet. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just good — plain and simple. And honestly, those are my favorite kinds of recipes: the ones that bring people together without fuss.

So go ahead and make it. Bring it to a party. Keep it in your fridge for snacking. Or serve it to someone who just needs a little comfort in the form of creamy, shrimpy, Southern goodness.

And if you do? Come back and tell me how it went. Did you spice it up? Did your cousin ask for the recipe? Did you eat half of it with a spoon while standing at the kitchen counter? (Same.)

Whatever you do — enjoy it. Food is meant to be shared.

Southern Style Shrimp Dip

This creamy and zesty Southern Style Shrimp Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer loaded with juicy shrimp, tangy lemon, and just the right amount of spice. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or game day spreads, it's best served chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dip

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound cooked shrimp peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and green onions until evenly distributed.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Serve with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh-cut veggies. For a spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal

Keyword easy party dip, seafood appetizer, shrimp dip, southern dip

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