A Foolproof No-Cook Holiday Appetizer: Layered Shrimp Cocktail Dip

I'm still wrapping my head around the idea that the holiday season is very nearly upon us once again...how is that possible?!?!? The holidays are actually my most-favorite time of year for lots of reasons: time spent with family and friends, colorful twinkly lights and colorful decorations, festive Christmas music…and lots of good eats. As an adult, the holiday season is also one of the most hectic times of the year. All the shopping, wrapping, parties, and baking can get a bit overwhelming and stressful if you don’t take a few time-saving shortcuts along the way. To help you save some time in the kitchen, I’ve got a fabulous no-cook appetizer to share with you today: Layered Shrimp Cocktail Dip. Let’s face it: sometime between now and New Year’s Eve, you’re going to receive a last-minute holiday party invitation or unexpected guests. Wendy to the rescue! This dip is a snap to put together, but it has lots of pizzazz. One thing’s for sure: with this recipe in your back pocket, you’ll be a lot less frazzled…and maybe even have time to share a laugh and a glass of wine with your guests!

Layered Shrimp Cocktail Dip

adapted from Kraft Kitchens

Step 1: Add the following ingredients to a mixing bowl: 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayo, 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp. dried parsley, and 1 tsp. dried chives. Mix well to thoroughly combine and whip the cream cheese mixture. 

Step 2: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or wide bowl. Chop ¾ lb. cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of cocktail sauce and stir to evenly combine. Layer the shrimp on top of the cream cheese layer. 

Step 3: Sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top of the shrimp. For the final layer, sprinkle 1/3 cup shredded (NOT grated) parmesan cheese on top. Serve with sturdy crackers. I put out Triscuits and pita chips on the side of this dip, and there was no breakage.

That’s it, folks...this dip is pretty much the best easy-to-whip-up appetizer ever! It’s creamy and full of flavor, and it looks like a million bucks. As an added bonus, it's lower in fat thanks to using reduced-fat cream cheese and mayo. If you’re really pressed for time, simply buy cream cheese that's flavored with chives and spread that in the bottom of your dish. For an extra-elegant addition, sub in lump crabmeat for half of the shrimp. Here’s the best part: when your guests rave over this dip and proclaim you to be a culinary genius, just smile and accept their compliments. The ease of this dip will be our little secret…promise!

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