Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp (small/medium size), peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, divided
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded low moisture mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1-quart (or 6-inch round) ovenproof baking dish.
  2. Chop the Shrimp: Ensure the cooked shrimp is dry. Roughly chop the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces. Reserve about 1/4 cup for garnishing the top later, if desired.
  3. Cream the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat with a spatula or hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
  4. Add Aromatics & Seasoning: Stir in the minced shallot, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, dill, and half of the chopped chives. Mix well.
  5. Fold in Cheese and Shrimp: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing.
  6. Transfer: Scrape the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with the spatula.
  7. Top: Sprinkle the remaining half of the Parmesan and the shredded mozzarella evenly over the surface of the dip.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is actively bubbling around the edges and the cheese topping is golden brown and melted. If needed, flash under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra color.
  9. Rest: Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the dip to set up slightly.
  10. Finish and Serve: Garnish with the remaining fresh chives (and any reserved whole shrimp pieces). Serve immediately while piping hot with toasted baguette slices or sturdy crackers.