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There’s something about a warm, cheesy dip bubbling away in the oven that immediately signals good food and good company. This oven-baked shrimp dip combines tender shrimp seasoned with Old Bay, creamy ricotta, cheddar, and just enough jalapeño for a mild spark of heat.

What I especially love about this recipe is that it feels a little more elevated than the usual party dip. Ricotta gives the filling a lighter texture while still keeping everything creamy and rich. The shrimp are quickly roasted before being folded into the cheese mixture, which adds depth of flavor you simply don’t get from tossing raw shrimp into the dip.

Serve it warm with toasted bread, crackers, or sturdy chips. It’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or any time you want a seafood appetizer that feels special without requiring much effort.

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Why This Shrimp Dip Recipe Works

This shrimp dip hits the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy.

Roasting the shrimp first.
Instead of mixing raw shrimp into the dip, briefly roast them with Old Bay seasoning to concentrate their flavor and prevents shrimp from being undercooked.

Note: According to the USDA, shrimp should be cooked until they turn opaque and reach a safe internal temperature. To learn more about how to safely select and cook shrimp (and other seafoods), visit the FDA’s seafood guidelines.

Ricotta creates a lighter texture.
While many baked dips rely heavily on cream cheese, ricotta gives the dip a creamy consistency that feels rich without being overly dense.

Layered flavor.
Jalapeño, Worcestershire sauce, pimentos, and two cheeses work together to create complexity while still letting the shrimp shine.

Perfectly scoopable.
The ratio of shrimp to cheese keeps the dip thick enough to hold together but still smooth and scoopable.

If you enjoy spicy dips for appetizers, you may also love my Spicy Fried Pickle Dip.

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Mise En Place (Ingredients You’ll Need)

Here’s what you’ll prep to make this warm shrimp dip. The ingredient list is simple, but each component brings something important to the final dish.

• Shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• Old Bay seasoning – classic seafood seasoning that enhances the shrimp
• Ricotta cheese – provides creaminess with a light texture
• Mayonnaise – adds richness and helps bind the dip
• Jalapeño – diced with seeds removed for mild heat
• Mild cheddar cheese – melts beautifully and adds body
• Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty depth
• Pimentos – drain well to prevent runny dip
• Worcestershire sauce – umami boost
• Salt and pepper – for seasoning
• Fresh herbs – chives, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

These ingredients combine to create a creamy baked dip filled with flavorful shrimp and just enough spice.

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How to Make Oven-Baked Shrimp Dip

1. Roast the shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 5–6 minutes, until just opaque and cooked through.

Let the shrimp cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the cheese mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Diced jalapeño
• Shredded cheddar
• Parmesan cheese
• Drained Pimentos
• Worcestershire sauce

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Fold in the shrimp

Lightly chop the cooked shrimp and gently fold them into the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Bake the shrimp dip

Transfer the mixture to a ceramic or glass baking dish and sprinkle the top with additional cheddar cheese.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the dip is bubbly and heated through.

5. Garnish and serve

Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped herbs and serve with:

• crackers
• toasted baguette slices
• tortilla chips

Optional: add lemon wedges on the side for brightness.

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Tips for the Best Shrimp Dip

Use medium or large shrimp.
They’re easier to chop into hearty pieces that hold up well in the dip.

Don’t overcook the shrimp.
Since the shrimp bake twice, roasting them just until opaque keeps them tender.

Drain the pimentos lightly.
Too much liquid can make the dip thinner than desired.

Use a shallow baking dish.
This allows more surface area for that golden, bubbly cheese topping.

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Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt.

Add cream cheese
For a richer dip, replace half the ricotta with softened cream cheese.

Try different cheeses
Monterey Jack or shredded smoked Gouda can replace some of the cheddar.

Make it spicier
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or keep some jalapeño seeds.

Add more herbs to the dip
Double the chopped herbs for more earthy depth and freshness. Try a combo of parsley, dill, chives, or basil folded into the mixture.

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What to Serve with Shrimp Dip

This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers.

Great options include:

• toasted baguette slices
• butter crackers
• pita chips
• tortilla chips
• crostini
• celery sticks

For a full appetizer spread, pair it with olives, roasted nuts, and a crisp white wine.

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:
Store cooled, leftover shrimp dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in oven (preferred):
Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Microwave:
Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind the microwave can quickly overcook the shrimp.

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Frequently Asked Questions

All in All

All in all, this oven-baked shrimp dip is the kind of appetizer that delivers big flavor with very little fuss. Roasting the shrimp with Old Bay adds depth, while the ricotta keeps the dip creamy without feeling overly heavy. A little jalapeño adds gentle heat, and the combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates an irresistible, bubbly top that makes everyone reach for another scoop.

Whether you’re hosting friends, bringing a dish to share, or simply looking for a warm seafood appetizer to enjoy at home, this shrimp dip is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or chips and watch it disappear quickly. It’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for gatherings but easy enough to make anytime the craving for something warm, cheesy, and a little coastal-inspired hits.

Need more appetizer & dip recipes? I’ve got y’all covered!