Layered Shrimp Dip
A colorful layered shrimp dip combining creamy cheeses, tangy salsa, and savory shrimp, perfect for casual gatherings and party appetizers with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 6 tbsp. salsa, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cocktail sauce ⓘ
- 3 cans (6 oz. each) small shrimp, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (2 1/4 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- sliced green onions
- tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of salsa; spread into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate.
- Combine cocktail sauce and remaining salsa; spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Place shrimp evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with sliced olives.
- Combine shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses; sprinkle over olives.
- Top with sliced green onions.
- Chill the dip before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cream cheese with a little sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be substituted for canned shrimp. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. This dip is versatile and pairs beautifully with Tasty Crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This layered shrimp dip is perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for dipping, or offer fresh veggies for a healthier option. It also complements a refreshing Pasta And Seafood Salad beautifully, making it a great addition to any summer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid freezing the dip. When ready to enjoy, simply serve cold directly from the fridge; no reheating is necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Shrimp Dip contains roughly 546 calories, with 24g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (53% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1034mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be prepared a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients as directed, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the shrimp with crab meat or even diced cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using chopped artichokes or mushrooms instead.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the salsa layer. You could also opt for spicy salsa or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
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).