When making a hot shrimp dip that will be baked, you have the flexibility to use either raw (uncooked) shrimp or pre-cooked pink shrimp. Since the dip bakes for approximately 15 minutes, there’s ample time for the shrimp to cook thoroughly, ensuring it’s perfectly done and tender. Regardless of your choice, ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined.

To truly infuse your creamy shrimp dip with the most profound flavor, I highly recommend opting for large raw shrimp. When diced and incorporated, raw shrimp release their natural juices into the creamy cheese base, creating a subtle yet incredibly rich “shrimp broth” effect that enhances the overall taste profile. This is why using fresh raw shrimp is generally preferred over canned shrimp, which can result in a less vibrant flavor. However, if convenience is key, smaller pre-cooked pink shrimp will still yield a delicious dip!

Creating this irresistible hot shrimp dip is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a quick overview of the key steps:

• Preparation is Key: Always start by ensuring your shrimp are completely thawed. If using raw shrimp, pat them thoroughly dry to prevent a watery dip.
• Crafting the Creamy Base: In a medium saucepan or a non-stick skillet, gently melt and combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise, olive oil, and garlic powder over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy.
• Folding in the Flavors: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, crushed fresh garlic, the prepared shrimp, and half of the diced tomatoes. The residual heat from the cream base will start to gently cook the shrimp and melt the cheeses.
• Baking to Perfection: Transfer this delectable mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
• The Final Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for just 15 minutes. This baking time is crucial for the dip to become bubbly and hot without overcooking the shrimp.
• Garnish and Serve: Once baked, immediately garnish the hot shrimp dip with the reserved diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Important Note: Remember to always pat dry raw shrimp before baking to avoid a watery dip. Be mindful not to overbake the dip, as this can lead to the shrimp becoming tough and the dip losing its luxurious creaminess.

This baked shrimp dip with cream cheese is designed for convenience and incredible flavor, making it a perfect quick snack or an impressive appetizer for any gathering. Unlike many cold dips, this recipe thrives on warmth and doesn’t call for sour cream, focusing instead on a rich, cheesy base. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:

• Baguette Slices: The ideal vehicle for this heavenly dip! You can use pre-made mini toasts for convenience, or easily make your own crispy crostini. Simply drizzle slices of fresh baguette with olive oil (or melted butter), sprinkle with dried herbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese, then toast until golden brown and perfectly crunchy.
• Cheese Galore: The heart of this dip lies in its phenomenal creamy cheese blend. We combine rich cream cheese for its smooth texture, sharp Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty depth, and robust white cheddar cheese for its distinct flavor and excellent melting properties. This trio creates an unparalleled cheesy experience.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that velvety, luxurious consistency. Use heavy whipping cream for the best results.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the dip’s creaminess and provides a subtle tangy note. Brands like Hellman’s or Dukes are excellent choices and commonly found in most kitchens.
• Oil: Olive oil is used in the dip itself and can also be used for toasting the baguette. Sunflower oil is a suitable alternative.
• Garlic: A double dose of garlic ensures maximum flavor! Both garlic powder, for an even distribution of aromatic essence, and fresh crushed garlic cloves, for a pungent kick, are used to build a robust flavor profile.
• Shrimp: The star seafood! You can use either cooked or raw peeled and deveined shrimp. If you want to elevate the flavor even further, consider seasoning the shrimp lightly with Louisiana hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay seasoning before adding them to the dip. This adds an extra layer of complexity and zest.
• Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and vibrant color. Remember to dice one tomato and reserve half of it for a beautiful and fresh garnish on top of the finished dip.

If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftover shrimp dip, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. You can gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat it in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause the dip to separate or the shrimp to become rubbery.

This dip is fantastic for meal prepping for a small gathering or enjoying throughout the week. Just remember to give it a good stir after reheating to restore its creamy texture.

A glorious hot dip like this creamy shrimp and crab creation deserves the perfect accompaniment. While crispy baguette slices are the classic choice, there are many other delightful dipping options that will complement its rich flavors and creamy texture:

• Mini Toasts: Small, delicate, and perfectly crunchy, mini toasts offer an elegant serving option.
• Tortilla Chips: A fantastic choice for a more casual setting, offering a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip.
• Parmesan Garlic Crostini: Elevate your serving with homemade crostini infused with savory Parmesan and fragrant garlic. The extra flavor adds another dimension to the dip.
• Pita Chips: These offer a slightly thicker, sturdier, and often more seasoned crunch than traditional crackers or baguette, making them ideal for hearty dips.
• Crunchy Crackers: A wide variety of crackers, from butter-flavored to water crackers, can provide a great base. Choose ones with a good snap to hold up to the substantial dip.
• Vegetable Sticks: For a lighter, healthier option, offer crisp vegetable sticks like carrot, celery, cucumber, or bell pepper strips. Their freshness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the rich dip.

Consider arranging a platter with a variety of dippers to cater to all tastes and preferences, making your appetizer spread truly spectacular.

For the Creamy Hot Dip:

For Crispy Crostini Slices:

• 

  Prepare Crostini: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer over a lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the dried parsley and thyme blend. Bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
• 

  Make the Dip Base: In a non-stick skillet or medium saucepan, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Melt the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it is completely smooth and free of lumps.
• 

  Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed garlic, the chopped raw shrimp (ensure they are patted dry), and the optional crab meat if using. Add half of the diced tomato, reserving the other half for garnish. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
• 

  Bake and Serve: Transfer the delicious mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the shrimp are cooked through. Garnish immediately with the reserved diced tomatoes and an extra sprinkle of dried parsley. Serve piping hot with your toasted baguette slices or other favorite dippers. Enjoy your homemade Uno’s Copycat Shrimp Dip!

• For an authentic “Shrimp and Crab” experience, make sure to add 2 oz of quality lump crab meat to the dip along with the shrimp.
• Feel free to add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated gently.

Nutrition per serving