This post is sponsored by our partner Kroger. All opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting the brands that we love.
Not Your Mom’s Shrimp Cocktail (Dip)
We’re going out on a limb with this one. We know. A serious throwback to your grandma’s Christmas parties. At least that’s the way we remember it—a whole table, weighted down with appetizers we’d only see once a year. Think giant, beige nut-coated cheese balls, mountains of cubed ham and cheese, wiggly, day-glo Jello molds and yes, a cream cheese shrimp dip laden with shrimp cocktail sauce.
We’re the first to admit that we totally used to roll our eyes at the lack of effort that a bowl of shrimp dip represented—just three, store-bought ingredients—it was secretly always our favorite dish on the table. So, when our partner Kroger asked us to come up with an easy appetizer recipe that would win you over, shrimp cocktail sauce with bay shrimp over cream cheese got no vetoes.
All About the Cocktail Sauce Recipe
When it comes to cream cheese shrimp dips we mostly remember a three ingredient dip—store bought cocktail sauce, block of cream cheese and bay shrimp. What would a TMP recipe be if we didn’t elevate it just a little? We phoned a friend who happens to be a chef, and asked him for his best cocktail sauce recipe. Local Portland chef Gabriel Rucker was quick to offer up his cocktail sauce recipe—the very same one that had won our hearts when we first tasted it, spooned over oysters at his restaurant, Canard. What’s the secret? In many ways, it’s a classic cocktail sauce, but what makes it special is the heavy kick of horseradish. YES PLEASE.
If the three ingredient convenience of a cream cheese shrimp dip is what drew you in, we’re sorry. This creamy dip will require just a little bit more work than opening three packages. However, none of our ingredients are obscure—all ingredients can be purchased at your local Kroger store, including a good beer or wine to go along with it, if you’re into that sort of thing. Plus, it’s also a no-cook appetizer—in other words, even with our upgrades, we think it still counts as really, really easy.
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
All you really need are a few good ingredients to make the best shrimp cocktail sauce recipe. Below is what goes into ours. With a spicy kick coming from both Tabasco and hot horseradish, this is definitely one for the grown-ups. All you need to do is stir, taste, enjoy.
- Ketchup.
- Prepared hot horseradish sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Dijon mustard.
- Tabasco sauce.
- Applesauce.
- Lemon zest.
What to Serve with this Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip
Keep things classic! Do just as your grandma would do—serve our cream cheese shrimp dip with your favorite cracker–we love it with Triscuits or Wheat Thins. Celery also makes a great match if you’re watching your carbs—but who are we kidding? We’re not going for any health awards with this one. Our shrimp dip recipe is just 100% pure nostalgia.
Tools Needed For the Best Shrimp Dip
More Easy Appetizers to Please a Crowd
Looking for more easy appetizers? Here are a few of our favorites.
- Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Queso Fundido
- Pull Apart Cheese Bread
- And, our friend Maria's Amazing Baked Brie
Share Your Shrimp Dip!
Snap a photo of your friends and family gathered around your shrimp dip and show us how much everyone loved it! Because we just know they will. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
