🧀🍤 Cheesy Baked Shrimp Dip Recipe
🔹 Ingredients:
For the dip base:
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
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1 package (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup cooked spinach, chopped and well-drained (fresh or frozen)
For the shrimp:
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1/2 to 1 lb (225–450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 tsp lemon juice
Garnish:
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Chopped parsley or chives
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Extra Parmesan or mozzarella for topping
🔹 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
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Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
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Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
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Remove from heat and set aside. You can slice some of the shrimp if you’d like smaller pieces in the dip and reserve whole ones for topping.
2. Make the Creamy Base:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté until fragrant.
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Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
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Add 1/2 cup mozzarella, chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
3. Assemble the Dish:
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Fold in chopped shrimp (reserving some for the top).
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Transfer the mixture into a baking dish (about 9-inch or similar size).
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Top with remaining mozzarella and reserved whole shrimp.
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Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
4. Bake:
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the top is golden.
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For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
🔹 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or veggies.
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Also works well as a topping for pasta or rice!