Shrimp Cocktail Dip (Easy 3-Ingredient Party Dip with Sour Cream)
A simple retro shrimp cocktail dip made with cocktail sauce, sour cream, and chopped shrimp. This easy appetizer comes together in minutes and is perfect for casual gatherings.
I'm not a big fan of complicated dips. After shopping for a full meal when the kids are coming over, the last thing I want to do is fuss with an appetizer that has a long ingredient list and a bunch of steps. I'd much rather have something simple that I can stir together in just a few minutes.
That's exactly why I still make this shrimp cocktail dip. It's about as unfussy as it gets, and it's been in our family for decades. My mom used to make it for gatherings, and it was always one of those appetizers that disappeared quickly.
These days I find myself making it for the same reason she did. It's quick, easy, and always a hit when everyone gathers around the table.
Jump to:
- Why this is the easiest shrimp cocktail dip
- Ingredients for shrimp cocktail dip
- How to make shrimp cocktail dip
- The way my Mom made this dip
- My small upgrade to this classic shrimp dip
- What to serve with shrimp cocktail dip
- Frequently asked questions
- More appetizers to make your gathering special
- Shrimp Cocktail Dip with Sour Cream
Why this is the easiest shrimp cocktail dip
There are plenty of shrimp dip recipes out there, but many of them involve a long list of ingredients or extra steps. This version keeps things simple. It's quick to make, easy to stir together, and perfect when you need an appetizer without a lot of fuss.
- Only 3 ingredients: Cocktail sauce, sour cream, and chopped shrimp are all you need.
- Ready in 5 minutes: Just stir everything together and the dip is ready to serve.
- No cooking required: Since the shrimp are already cooked, there's no baking or stovetop work involved.
- Perfect last minute appetizer: When guests are on the way or the kids are coming over for dinner, this dip is an easy option you can pull together in minutes.
One reason this dip is so quick is that it uses sour cream instead of cream cheese. There's no waiting for ingredients to soften and no lumps to deal with. Everything stirs together smoothly in just a minute or two.
Ingredients for shrimp cocktail dip
This dip uses just three simple ingredients. The exact amounts don't have to be perfect. I usually eyeball it, but this ratio works well.
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups cooked shrimp, chopped
Small cooked shrimp work well, but you can also chop larger shrimp into small pieces.
If you prefer a thicker dip with more shrimp flavor, you can always add a little extra chopped shrimp.
Note: This retro shrimp cocktail dip was a popular party appetizer in the 1970s and 80s because it could be made in minutes with just a few ingredients. Cocktail sauce already contains bold flavors like horseradish, tomato, and spices, so it naturally seasons the dip without needing extra salt, lemon, or other additions.
Tip: Cream Cheese vs. Sour Cream: Many shrimp cocktail dip recipes use cream cheese as the base. This version uses sour cream instead, which gives the dip a lighter texture and a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp and cocktail sauce. If you grew up eating a sour cream version like I did, this is the classic retro dip you may remember.
How to make shrimp cocktail dip
This dip comes together in just a few minutes and doesn't require any cooking.
- Combine the cocktail sauce and sour cream: Stir together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Chop the cooked shrimp: Cut the shrimp into small pieces so they mix easily into the dip and you get a little shrimp in every bite.
- Stir in the shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp to the sauce mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish (optional): Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve or chill briefly: The dip can be served right away, or you can refrigerate it for a short time if you prefer it slightly chilled.
The way my Mom made this dip
My mom used to make this dip using those little glass jars of shrimp cocktail that used to be sold at the grocery store. Each jar had cocktail sauce on the bottom with a handful of tiny shrimp packed inside. She would dump the whole jar into a bowl, stir in some sour cream, and just like that you had shrimp dip.
And of course, my mom never threw out the little glass jars. They were saved because, as she liked to say, "you never know when you might need them." Before long we had a whole cabinet full of those glasses.
The funny part is that my mom actually had a shellfish allergy. She couldn't eat the dip herself, but she still made it for family gatherings because everyone else loved it (so who is the real hero here?). It was one of those simple appetizers that always seemed to show up when people were coming over - still is!
My small upgrade to this classic shrimp dip
These days I make a slightly upgraded version of the dip my mom used to make. The idea is exactly the same, but using a few fresh ingredients gives it a little more flavor.
Instead of the shrimp cocktail jars, I use a good quality cocktail sauce. Gold's is our favorite, and it has a nice balance of tomato and horseradish flavor. I also use cooked shrimp that I chop into small pieces before adding it to the dip.
Chopping the shrimp finely helps distribute the flavor throughout the dip so you get a little shrimp in every bite. It still keeps the spirit of the original recipe, just with a small upgrade that makes it taste even better.
What to serve with shrimp cocktail dip
This dip pairs well with just about anything crunchy, but my favorite way to serve it is with classic Lay's potato chips. The thin, salty chips work perfectly with the creamy dip and make it hard to stop at just one bite.
If you prefer a sturdier chip, Cape Cod potato chips are another great option. Their thicker texture holds up well to the dip.
You can also serve this shrimp cocktail dip with:
- Crackers
- Pretzel chips
Any simple, salty snack works well here. The goal is something crunchy that lets the flavor of the shrimp dip shine.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can make this dip several hours ahead of serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors blend nicely as it chills. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Small cooked shrimp work best for this recipe because they mix easily into the dip. If you only have larger shrimp, simply chop them into small pieces before stirring them in.
Yes. Frozen cooked shrimp work perfectly. Just thaw them completely, pat them dry, and chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dip.
This dip is usually served slightly chilled or cool. You can serve it right after mixing, or refrigerate it for a short time if you prefer it colder.
You can if you like a little extra kick. Many cocktail sauces already contain horseradish, but adding a small spoonful can increase the heat and flavor.
Stored in an airtight container, shrimp cocktail dip will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
Shrimp Cocktail Dip with Sour Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 ½ cups cooked shrimp, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the sour cream and cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, stir the sour cream and cocktail sauce together until smooth and evenly blended.
- Chop the shrimp: Cut the cooked shrimp into small pieces so they mix evenly into the dip and you get shrimp in every bite.
- Add the shrimp: Stir the chopped shrimp into the sauce mixture until well combined.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately with potato chips or crackers, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes if you prefer the dip slightly chilled.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and brands used.
- Cocktail sauce already contains bold flavors like horseradish, tomato, and spices, which naturally season the dip. Because of this, the recipe does not need additional salt, lemon, or other seasonings.
- For best texture, use cooked shrimp that have been chopped into small bite-sized pieces.
- This retro shrimp cocktail dip is perfect for casual gatherings, holidays, or anytime you need a quick appetizer that can be made in minutes.
Nutrition
If you're looking for an appetizer that's quick, simple, and always a crowd favorite, this shrimp cocktail dip is hard to beat. With just three ingredients and about five minutes of prep, it's the kind of recipe you can pull together anytime you need an easy snack for family or friends.
It may not be fancy, but sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones everyone loves most. This dip has been in our family for years, and it's still one of the easiest appetizers I know how to make when the kids are coming over or guests stop by. Just grab a bag of chips, stir the ingredients together, and you're ready to serve.
Recipes like this remind me of a time when entertaining was a little more spontaneous. Friends and neighbors dropped by more often, and it was nice to have a few easy recipes you could pull together quickly without much planning. Simple dips like this made it easy to put something on the table and enjoy the company.
Enjoy!
