Description
Creepy, creamy, and utterly delicious — this Shrimp Brain Dip is a spooky showstopper for your Halloween spread! Juicy shrimp are arranged to mimic eerie “brain folds,” covered in a rich garlic cheese sauce that oozes perfectly when pulled apart.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (small or medium size)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp chopped chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne or chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until just warmed through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired.
- Line a small bowl or mold with plastic wrap. Layer the shrimp in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly to create “brain folds.” Pour the warm cheese sauce in the center and let it flow between the shrimp layers. Chill for 15–20 minutes so it holds its shape slightly. Invert onto a serving plate and drizzle more cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped chives. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or veggies for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of cayenne or chili flakes.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
- Pair with a variety of dippers for a fun presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg