Spicy Shrimp Buffalo Dip
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I love game day! It gives me a chance to show off my tailgating skills and share recipes that need minimal prep time. In particular, this spicy shrimp buffalo dip is a remix of a classic buffalo chicken dip with a twist. If you love a warm dip, try the best tailgating dip and my cheesy shrimp and crab dip too.
With this in mind, it is spicy, rich, and pairs well with Sutter Home Pink Moscato, which is light, sweet, and refreshing. What is more, the sweetness of the wine gives great contrast to the heat of the dip. I like to serve it at a spread like the best UT vs UGA tailgate next to my hot crab dip.
As a result, you can get creative with the dippers. I always give my guests a variety: celery, carrots, and tortilla chips, and you can also add pita chips, pita bread, and potato chips. Furthermore, the vegetables from my epic veggie tray work well here, and so does a side of catfish BLT sliders.
What Is Shrimp Buffalo Dip?
Shrimp buffalo dip is a baked, cheesy dip modeled on buffalo chicken dip, with sautéed shrimp in place of chicken. Shrimp, jalapeños, onion, and spinach are mixed with cream cheese, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and hot sauce, then baked until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Medium shrimp (1 pound): The main ingredient, so buy the best quality you can find.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): For sautéing.
- Diced onion and jalapeños (3 tablespoons each): Build flavor and heat.
- Spinach (1 cup): Adds color and a little freshness.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic salt: To taste.
- Cream cheese (1 package): The creamy base.
- Sharp cheddar (2 cups): Goes into the dip and on top.
- Pepper jack (2 cups): Melts smoothly and adds a kick.
- Hot sauce (4 tablespoons): Gives the dip its buffalo flavor.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Large Skillet
For sautéing the shrimp and vegetables.
Baking Dish
An oven-to-table dish for the dip.
Large Mixing Bowl
For combining everything.
Box Grater
For shredding the cheeses.
Silicone Spatula
For mixing and scraping the bowl.
Chef Knife
For dicing the onion and jalapeños.
Cutting Board
A sturdy prep surface.
Chip and Dip Platter
For serving dippers alongside.
Wooden Trivet
For setting the hot dish down.
Wine Glasses
For the Pink Moscato.
Wine Chiller
Keeps a sweet wine cold at the tailgate.
Cocktail Napkins
A must for dips.
How To Make Spicy Shrimp Buffalo Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced onion and jalapeños.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Sauté for 7 to 10 minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Mix
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shrimp mixture, pepper jack, most of the sharp cheddar, and the hot sauce. Mix well.
Step 4: Fill the Dish
Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray, pour in the mixture, and top with the remaining cheddar.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve with a sweet, chilled wine.
Spicy Shrimp Buffalo Dip
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons onion diced
- 3 tablespoons jalapeños diced
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup spinach
- salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese grated
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce
- non-stick cooking spray
- celery, carrots, and tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced onion and jalapeños.
- Add the shrimp and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Sauté for 7 to 10 minutes, then set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shrimp mixture, pepper jack, most of the sharp cheddar, and the hot sauce. Mix well.
- Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in the mixture.
- Top with the remaining sharp cheddar.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery, carrots, and tortilla chips.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — warm dips and game-day favorites.
Buffalo BLT Dip
A creamy, zesty buffalo dip loaded with bacon and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe →
The Best Hot Crab Dip
A rich, bubbly crab dip that brings serious flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Milder
Leave out the jalapeños and cut back on the hot sauce.
Chicken
Use shredded cooked chicken for the classic version.
Crab
Fold in lump crab along with the shrimp.
Extra Heat
Add a pinch of cayenne.
When I Love Serving Shrimp Buffalo Dip
Game Day
This is what it was made for.
Tailgates
Bake it at home and carry it warm.
Game Night
Great for an elevated game night.
Supper Club
A casual starter while guests arrive.
Holiday Parties
A warm dip is always welcome.
Wine Night
Equally important, it is a fun match for a sweet wine.
What To Serve With Shrimp Buffalo Dip
Dippers
Celery, carrots, tortilla chips, pita chips, or the fries from an epic French fry board.
More Game Day Food
Add a fried chicken board, surf and turf bites, mini catfish tacos, or the best taco board.
More Dips
Round out the table with creamy spinach dip and baked goat cheese dip.
Drinks
Besides Pink Moscato, try raspberry lemonade or lemonade prosecco punch.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
- Make ahead: Mix the dip, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake right before serving and add a few extra minutes.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing, since the creamy base can separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw it and pat it dry before cooking.
Should I chop the shrimp?
Chopping the cooked shrimp into smaller pieces makes the dip easier to scoop.
How spicy is it?
It has a kick from the jalapeños, hot sauce, and pepper jack. Cut back on any of them for a milder dip.
What wine goes with it?
A sweet, chilled wine balances the heat.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this spicy shrimp buffalo dip is sure to be a touchdown at your tailgate. Without a doubt, a hot, cheesy dip with a little heat brings people to the table. If you make it, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
Photos by: Veselovaphoto
