Herbed Shrimp Dip
A creamy, herb-infused shrimp dip perfect for parties, served with bread cubes and vegetables. Rich flavors of herbs, lemon zest, and spicy Tabasco delight guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 scallion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 pound frozen cooked shrimp, thawed and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 round loaf pumpernickel bread ⓘ
- assorted vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl with a mixer at medium speed, beat the cream cheese with sour cream until very smooth.
- Stir in chopped scallion, parsley, tarragon, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Tabasco until combined.
- Stir in the chopped shrimp.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Using a serrated knife, cut off the top one-third of the pumpernickel loaf horizontally.
- With a small knife, cut around the inside edge of the bread, then pull out the bread in large pieces, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell.
- Cut the removed bread top and pieces into 1-inch cubes.
- Just before serving, place the loaf on a serving platter.
- Fill the bread shell with the shrimp dip.
- Serve with bread cubes and assorted vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, you can substitute regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, increasing the quantity to taste. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Tabasco sauce. This dip can also be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld more effectively.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp dip in the hollowed-out pumpernickel loaf for a fun presentation. This dip pairs beautifully with assorted vegetables like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside Tuna Cutlets or other seafood recipes for a delightful appetizer selection.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dip can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, stirring occasionally, ensuring it doesn't get too hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Shrimp Dip contains roughly 77 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just ensure they are cooked and coarsely chopped before adding to the dip. Fresh shrimp may offer a slightly different texture, but they will work well in this recipe.
What can I substitute for pumpernickel bread?
If pumpernickel isn't available, you can use a round sourdough or rye bread as a substitute. These breads will still provide a great flavor and sturdy base for the shrimp dip.
How long can I keep the shrimp dip in the refrigerator?
The shrimp dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to consume it within this time frame.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).