There is something truly irresistible about a perfectly executed Shrimp Dip Log Recipe, especially when you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and creamy textures. This dish combines tender, poached shrimp with rich cream cheese, bright lemon zest, and a tasty seafood boil seasoning to create an eye-catching and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or elevating your weeknight snack game, this recipe brings both elegance and comfort in one easy-to-make log that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Shrimp Dip Log Recipe shine, you’ll use just a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one adding its own magic. From the firm, sweet shrimp to the zesty citrus and creamy base, every component builds texture, flavor, and a gorgeous look that will impress your guests instantly.
- 12 oz raw shrimp (deveined, tails-on): Fresh shrimp provide the star protein and a slightly sweet bite that pairs beautifully with creamy elements.
- 3 tbsp seafood boil seasoning (or Old Bay): This seasoning blends spices and herbs that bring that classic, savory seafood flair.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy base that holds everything together with a luscious texture you’ll adore.
- 1 shallot (minced): Adds a gentle onion flavor that’s more subtle and sophisticated than regular onions.
- 1 lemon (zested then sliced): The zest brightens the dip with citrus notes while the slices season the poaching water for added depth.
- 1/2 cup dried parsley: Provides a lovely fresh green color and mild herbaceous flavor as a coating.
- Crackers, veggies, mini toast, sesame sticks, pretzels: Choose your favorite dippers to enjoy with the finished shrimp log!
How to Make Shrimp Dip Log Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon
Start by zesting your lemon and setting the zest aside; this will inject your dip with a lively, citrusy aroma and flavor. Then, slice the lemon into thick pieces to use in the poaching water. These slices gently infuse the shrimp while cooking, adding a subtle brightness.
Step 2: Poach the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the lemon slices and seafood boil seasoning. Once the water is seasoned, add the shrimp, cover the pot, and immediately remove it from heat. Let the shrimp soak in the hot, flavorful water for 5 to 6 minutes until pink and fully cooked. To stop the cooking and keep them tender, transfer the shrimp to an ice bath. After they cool, peel off the tails if you prefer a smoother dip texture, then pat dry.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for the Dip
Take your room-temperature cream cheese and place it in a clean bowl. Mince the poached shrimp along with the shallot, then add these to the cream cheese. Don’t forget the lemon zest here—it really ties in all the flavors with its bright punch. Mix everything thoroughly to create a creamy, chunky dip base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Shrimp Dip Log
Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop. Spoon the shrimp and cream cheese mixture down the center of the wrap and shape it into a log form. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap, smoothing out the shape as best as you can to create a neat, compact log that’s ready for chilling.
Step 5: Chill the Log
Pop the wrapped shrimp log into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or if you’re short on time, 45 minutes in the freezer will do the trick. This chilling step helps the log firm up so it’s easier to coat with herbs and slice nicely when serving.
Step 6: Coat with Parsley
Once chilled, lay another piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your surface and sprinkle it liberally with dried parsley. Unwrap the shrimp log and roll it in the parsley, adding more parsley on top if needed until it’s completely covered in that lovely green layer, which adds freshness and visual appeal.
Step 7: Serve Your Shrimp Dip Log Recipe
Place your parsley-coated shrimp log on a serving platter alongside your chosen dippers—crackers, fresh veggies, mini toasts, sesame sticks, or pretzels all make fantastic partners. Don’t forget a serving knife so everyone can slice off generous portions. Now, enjoy the fruits of your effort and the delighted smiles that come with it!
How to Serve Shrimp Dip Log Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your shrimp dip log presentation with extra lemon slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or chives to add pops of color and fresh fragrance. A few whole cooked shrimp perched on the side can create a stunning visual cue to the main ingredient inside.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs marvelously with simple and crunchy sides such as vibrant crudités or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the dip. For a heartier bite, consider serving alongside crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every creamy morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation by placing the shrimp dip log on a bed of greens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Alternatively, form smaller logs or balls and roll them in different coatings—nuts, smoked paprika, or even finely grated cheese—to offer guests a selection of creative flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shrimp dip log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying over a couple of days or for buffet-style entertaining.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the shrimp dip log if needed. Wrap the log very well in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dip is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want to soften it slightly before serving, let the dip log sit out of the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to reach the ideal creamy consistency without losing its fresh brightness.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
It is best to use raw shrimp and poach them fresh in seasoned water, as instructed, because this method ensures the shrimp absorb maximum flavor and maintain the perfect texture. Using pre-cooked shrimp may result in less flavorful or rubbery dip.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter dip, cream cheese can be partially swapped with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but this may change the consistency and flavor slightly. Always keep some cream cheese in the mix for that classic richness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative that matches the texture and tang of traditional cream cheese. Keep in mind that the final taste and creaminess might vary slightly.
Can I make this shrimp dip log vegan or vegetarian?
Since shrimp is the key ingredient, a vegan or vegetarian version would require an alternative protein like finely chopped hearts of palm or artichoke hearts and using a plant-based cream cheese. While it won’t be the traditional Shrimp Dip Log Recipe, it can still be delicious in its own right.
How far ahead can I prepare this appetizer?
This shrimp dip log can be made up to two days ahead of your event. Just keep it well-wrapped and refrigerated until ready to coat with parsley and serve for the freshest flavor and appearance.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this fantastic Shrimp Dip Log Recipe because it’s one of those appetizers that effortlessly impresses while being wonderfully easy to prepare. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, savory seasoning, and a hint of citrus that’s downright addictive. Next time you want to wow friends or just treat yourself, keep this recipe in your back pocket—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Shrimp Dip Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Dip Log is a deliciously creamy seafood appetizer featuring poached shrimp and cream cheese seasoned with lemon zest and seafood boil seasoning. Perfectly chilled and coated in dried parsley, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, veggies, or pretzels for an impressive yet easy-to-make party dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp Dip Log Ingredients
- 12 oz raw shrimp, deveined with tails on (any size)
- 3 tbsp seafood boil seasoning (or substitute Old Bay seasoning)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried parsley
- Crackers, veggies, mini toast, sesame sticks, or pretzels for serving
Instructions
- Zest and Slice Lemon: Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Then cut the remaining lemon into thick slices to be used in poaching the shrimp.
- Poach Shrimp: Bring about 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the lemon slices and seafood boil seasoning to the boiling water. Add the shrimp, cover the pot, and immediately remove it from heat. Let the shrimp cook in the hot water for 5-6 minutes or until they turn fully pink and are no longer translucent. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice. Transfer the cooked shrimp to the ice bath to cool, then remove tails if desired. Drain and pat the shrimp dry.
- Make Shrimp Dip: In a clean bowl, place the room-temperature cream cheese. Mince the cooled shrimp and shallot finely and add them along with the lemon zest to the bowl. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to create a smooth shrimp dip mixture.
- Form a Log: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the shrimp and cream cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Roll the plastic wrap tightly around the log, smoothing it into an even shape.
- Chill: Place the wrapped shrimp log in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up. Alternatively, chill it in the freezer for 45 minutes if short on time.
- Coat with Parsley: Spread a clean piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on the counter and sprinkle it generously with dried parsley. Unwrap the chilled shrimp log and place it on the parsley-covered surface. Roll the log so that it becomes completely coated with parsley.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp log to a serving platter. Arrange your choice of crackers, veggies, mini toasts, sesame sticks, or pretzels around it. Provide a serving knife for guests to slice off portions and enjoy.
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese makes mixing easier and results in a smoother dip.
- You can substitute Old Bay seasoning if seafood boil seasoning is unavailable.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp dip mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated for best flavor.
- If you prefer, you can finely chop the parsley fresh instead of using dried parsley for coating, but dried parsley provides a more uniform crust.
