Keto Shrimp Dip Recipes: Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Dips are always a crowd-pleaser, whether you need an appetizer for the holiday season or a delicious snack any time of the year. They're usually very easy to make, addicting, and just a great thing to munch on. If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. This article explores various keto shrimp dip recipes that are not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare.

Why Shrimp Dip is a Great Keto Option

Shrimp is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet. When combined with creamy, cheesy ingredients and flavorful seasonings, it creates a dip that's both satisfying and diet-friendly. These dips are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want to offer a tasty and guilt-free option.

Key Ingredients for Keto Shrimp Dip

Most keto shrimp dip recipes share a few common ingredients that contribute to their creamy texture and delicious flavor:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. Pre-cooked shrimp is a convenient option, but cooking raw shrimp yourself allows you to control the level of doneness and seasoning.
• Cream Cheese: This forms the base of many keto shrimp dips, providing a rich and creamy texture. It's essential to use well-softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and lump-free dip.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the dip.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese, particularly sharp cheddar, is a popular choice for its bold flavor. Parmesan cheese is often sprinkled on top for a salty and nutty finish.
• Seasonings: Garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and various herbs and spices are used to enhance the flavor of the dip.

Recipe 1: Easy Keto Shrimp and Bacon Dip

This easy shrimp and bacon dip is perfect for keto or low-carb diets! This recipe uses all 3 so the end result is the creamiest, smoothest base possible. It’s bursting with hot, gooey cheese and big chunks of shrimp and bacon in nearly every bite.

Ingredients:

• 6 strips Bacon
• 1/2 lb Large Shrimp raw, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 2 Tbsp. Hellman's Mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp. Spicy Brown Mustard
• 1 tsp. Garlic Salt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a pie dish or 1-quart casserole and set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, cook bacon until it is crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into smaller pieces.
3. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet, and add the shrimp. Fry until just starting to turn pink, turning once to make sure both sides turn pink. Remove to paper towel to cool. Once cool, cut each large shrimp in 3-4 bite-size pieces.
4. In a large bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and garlic powder. Stir until well combined. Add milk and stir until creamy and no lumps remain.
5. Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and shrimp pieces. Fold until it is all incorporated. Transfer to greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted.

Recipe 2: Creamy Shrimp Dip

This popular party dip comes together super quickly and easily. It’s actually perfect if you want to prepare something simple but popular for a group (shrimp lovers unite!). The flavors are tangy and it has a wonderfully creamy texture, with some crunch from the veggies like celery and green onion.

Read also: Quick Keto Seafood

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups chopped cooked shrimp
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, horseradish, paprika, and garlic powder, and stir to combine.
2. Fold in shrimp, celery, and green onions until evenly mixed together.
3. Chill until ready to serve.
4. If using fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp that has not been cooked, heat a large skillet with a little olive oil and cook your raw shrimp before adding it to the dip.

Recipe 3: Cajun Shrimp Dip

Imagine a creamy, cheesy Cajun Shrimp Dip filled with chunks of sweet tender shrimp and a lively kick from Cajun spices. Sound like something you could dip into? This dip makes about 2-cups. Enough to share!

Ingredients:

• Cheddar Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Cajun Seasoning
• Green Onion
• Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:

1. Let the cream cheese soften on the counter for 30 minutes before making this dip.
2. To assemble, combine the shredded cheddar with the cream cheese and sour cream and mix well until combined.
3. Add the Cajun seasoning and remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the shrimp. Mix well. Don’t add the shrimp until the end - over mixing could result in the shrimp getting mashed up.
4. Put the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top it with the Parmesan cheese and bake at 350-F until it is hot, bubbly, and golden-brown.

Recipe 4: Hot Shrimp Dip

This easy cheesy shrimp dip is the perfect keto party appetizer. With plenty of garlic and a kick of spice, this hot baked dip will please all of your guests. Perfect for game day! It really is the perfect low carb game day recipe. If you are planning to attend any Super Bowl parties, this is the recipe to make. Anyone on a low carb diet will appreciate the fact that it has only 1.6g of carbs. But it’s flavorful and rich enough for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Cheddar cheese
• Lemon juice
• Old Bay Seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Remove the tails from the shrimp and chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Add the chopped shrimp, green onion, lemon juice, Old Bay, and hot sauce. Stir until well combined, then taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
4. Transfer to a medium (about 1 quart) glass or ceramic baking dish and spread to the edges.
5. Bake 20 minutes, or until the top is browned and the mixture is bubbling. Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Best Keto Shrimp Dip

• Use High-Quality Shrimp: The flavor of the shrimp is crucial to the overall taste of the dip. Opt for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor, and make sure it's fresh or properly thawed.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Well-softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy dip. If the cream cheese is not soft enough, it can leave lumps in the dip.
• Don't Overcook the Shrimp: If you're cooking the shrimp yourself, be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dip before baking or serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more garlic, hot sauce, or Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.
• Serve with Keto-Friendly Dippers: Choose low-carb dippers such as sliced vegetables (cucumber, bell peppers, celery), keto crackers, or toasted keto bread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Most keto shrimp dips can be made a couple of days ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Some dips, like the Cajun Shrimp Dip, can be frozen before baking. Thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Keto shrimp dip can be served as a hot or cold appetizer. Serve it with a variety of keto-friendly dippers, such as:

Read also: Southern Keto Comfort Food

• Sliced cucumber
• Bell pepper strips
• Celery sticks
• Keto crackers
• Toasted keto bread
• Pork rinds

You can also top it on some gluten-free toast!

Keto Shrimp Cocktail with Dipping Sauces

Take the classic shrimp cocktail appetizer of the 90’s to the next level! Sweet, succulent shrimp with your choice of any or all of these keto friendly dipping sauces that can be made in advance in just minutes. Sometimes Mr. Hungry and I will eat a pile of cold shrimp with these dipping sauces for dinner with nothing else.

Keto-Friendly Dipping Sauces:

• Classic cocktail sauce with lots of tangy horseradish - but without the carbs and sugar you’ll usually find.
• Pesto mayonnaise containing lots of fat. Luscious and loaded with flavor, this is my favorite sauce of the three for cold shrimp or even lobster - it also works great mixed with chopped cooked chicken to make an easy chicken salad.
• Mayonnaise based, but a bit thinner in consistency and with a sweet and spicy kick from the Sriracha hot sauce. I love this one as a salad dressing, but it complements the sweet shrimp perfectly as well.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for these recipes is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs.

Read also: Crispy Keto Shrimp

tags: #keto #shrimp #dip #recipe