This shrimp scampi dip is a luxurious and flavorful appetizer that will impress your guests. Made with succulent shrimp, creamy cheeses, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon, this dip is perfect for any gathering or party. It can be served with toasted bread, crackers, or even vegetable sticks. With just a few simple steps, you can create a heavenly dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Once the shrimp has cooled, chop it into small pieces.
- Add the chopped shrimp to the cream cheese mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the shrimp scampi dip hot with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Interesting Facts
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that traditionally combines shrimp, garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice.
Creamy and cheesy dips like this one became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as convenient and delicious appetizers for parties and gatherings.
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making this dip not only tasty but also nutritious.
This dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a convenient option for entertaining.