This chilled shrimp dip is creamy, fresh, and easy to prepare. Crisp phyllo cups make each bite light and crunchy. Serve these small appetizers at holidays, parties, or family gatherings. For another fun party snack, try these crispy spinach and mozzarella fingers.
Why Make This Recipe
- It takes only a few minutes to prepare.
- You can make the shrimp mixture ahead of time.
- The phyllo shells require no baking.
- Each cup is small and easy to serve.
- The creamy filling and crisp shells work well together.
- The recipe makes enough for a party platter.
How to Make Chilled Shrimp Dip in Crisp Phyllo Cups
Start by chopping the cooked shrimp into small pieces. Mix it with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Chill the mixture if you are not serving it right away.
Fill the phyllo shells shortly before serving so they stay crisp. Finish each cup with fresh green onion or parsley.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cooked medium shrimp, chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- A few dashes of hot sauce, optional
- 30 mini phyllo dough shells
- Extra green onion or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Put the chopped shrimp in a medium bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onion, celery, and parsley.
- Add the garlic powder, curry powder, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce.
- Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the filling and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Spoon the shrimp mixture into the mini phyllo shells.
- Garnish with extra green onion or parsley.
- Serve chilled.
How to Serve Chilled Shrimp Dip in Crisp Phyllo Cups
Place the filled cups on a flat serving tray. Keep them chilled until it is time to eat. Serve them as a party appetizer, a holiday snack, or part of a light lunch.
These cups also pair well with fresh vegetables, cheese, crackers, and other small bites. Do not leave the shrimp cups at room temperature for more than two hours.
How to Store Chilled Shrimp Dip in Crisp Phyllo Cups
Store the shrimp filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the empty phyllo shells at room temperature in their original package or an airtight container.
For the best texture, store the filling and shells separately. Filled shells become soft as they sit. Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise can separate, and the shells may lose their crisp texture.
Tips to Make Chilled Shrimp Dip in Crisp Phyllo Cups
- Pat the shrimp dry before chopping it. Extra water can make the filling thin.
- Chop the shrimp into small, even pieces so the cups are easy to eat.
- Cut the celery and green onion very finely.
- Taste the filling before adding more salt. Cooked shrimp may already taste salty.
- Chill the filling for 30 minutes to help the flavors blend.
- Fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the cups neatly.
- Keep the finished appetizer cold until serving.
Variations
Spicy shrimp cups: Add extra hot sauce or a small amount of cayenne pepper.
Dill shrimp cups: Replace the parsley with fresh dill.
Lighter filling: Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Extra lemon flavor: Add a small amount of finely grated lemon zest.
Avocado shrimp cups: Fold finely chopped avocado into the filling shortly before serving.
Cucumber shrimp cups: Add finely chopped, seeded cucumber for a fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the shrimp filling up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Fill the phyllo shells shortly before serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp fully, drain it, and pat it dry before chopping. Make sure the shrimp is already cooked.
Do I need to bake the phyllo shells?
Most packaged mini phyllo shells are fully baked and ready to fill. Check the package instructions before using them.
How do I stop the shells from becoming soggy?
Keep the filling and shells separate until close to serving time. Also, dry the shrimp well and avoid adding too much lemon juice.
Can I use larger shrimp?
Yes. Any size of cooked shrimp will work because you will chop it into small pieces.
Is the hot sauce required?
No. Leave it out for a mild flavor, or add a few dashes if you want some heat.
Conclusion
Chilled shrimp dip in crisp phyllo cups is a simple appetizer with creamy filling and a light crunch. It is quick to make, easy to serve, and ideal for many occasions. For more party food inspiration, browse these appetizer ideas.
Chilled Shrimp Dip in Crisp Phyllo Cups
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling
- 12 ounces cooked medium shrimp, chopped Pat dry before chopping.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise For a lighter filling, use plain Greek yogurt.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Avoid adding too much to prevent sogginess.
- 1 piece green onion, finely sliced Prepare finely for even texture.
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped Chop very finely.
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped Dill can be used as a variation.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Add more if needed.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- dashes hot sauce Optional for added heat.
Phyllo Cups
- 30 pieces mini phyllo dough shells No baking required.
- extra green onion or parsley for garnish For a finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onion, celery, and parsley.
- Add garlic powder, curry powder, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill the mixture if not serving right away.
Assembly
- Spoon the shrimp mixture into the mini phyllo shells just before serving.
- Garnish with extra green onion or parsley.
Serving
- Place the filled cups on a serving tray and keep them chilled until it's time to eat.
- Serve as a party appetizer or light lunch, alongside fresh vegetables, cheese, crackers, or other small bites.