Dessert

Layered Shrimp Cocktail Dip – Perfect Appetizer Recipe

ByLily Monroe December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

This Layered Shrimp Cocktail Dip is a delightful appetizer that combines a creamy, tangy base with a zesty cocktail sauce and fresh shrimp. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

The image shows a close-up of a round dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a white creamy spread, smooth in texture and evenly covering the base. The middle layer is a deep red sauce, thick and laid neatly on top of the white spread, with a glossy look. On top, there are small pieces of white seafood, looking soft and tender, scattered all over the red sauce. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly on the seafood, adding a fresh contrast. A woman's hand is holding a white cracker, lifting a spoonful of the layered mixture from the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (divided)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (divided)
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 clove garlic, minced
12 ounce bottle chili sauce
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 cups fresh boiled shrimp, chopped into ½-inch pieces
2 green onion tops, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, grated onion, and minced garlic until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly in an 8-inch springform pan or a shallow serving dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the cocktail sauce by combining the chili sauce, prepared horseradish, remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: When ready to assemble, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan containing the cream cheese layer. Spread half of the cocktail sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped shrimp evenly over the cocktail sauce layer and garnish with chopped green onion tops.
Step 5: Serve chilled with crackers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor, but reduced-fat versions will also work if preferred.
Do not substitute creamy horseradish sauce for the prepared horseradish in the cocktail sauce, as it alters the taste significantly.
Only half of the cocktail sauce is needed for the dip; refrigerate the remaining sauce for another use.

Storage

Store the assembled dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any leftover cocktail sauce separately refrigerated and use within one week. For best flavor and texture, avoid freezing this dip. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A pizza with three visible layers sits on a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is a thick, pale dough crust with a rough edge, the middle layer is a deep red, smooth tomato sauce spread evenly over the dough, and the top layer is a generous pile of white and light pink shrimp pieces scattered across the sauce, topped with small chopped green onion pieces adding a touch of bright green color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip actually benefits from being made ahead. Refrigerate the cream cheese layer for at least 12 hours before assembly to develop the flavors fully.