This 5-ingredient slow cooker canned shrimp recipe is the kind of easy appetizer that earns a permanent spot on a holiday table, game-day spread, or casual family gathering. Using drained tiny canned shrimp keeps prep simple and budget-friendly, while the slow cooker turns a handful of pantry and refrigerator staples into a warm, creamy seafood dip-style dish with plenty of savory flavor. It is especially useful when you need something hands-off that still feels festive.
Serve this warm shrimp mixture with toasted baguette slices, butter crackers, sturdy tortilla chips, or celery sticks for scooping. It also works well as part of a larger appetizer board with olives, pickles, sliced peppers, and a simple green salad to balance the richness. For drinks, a crisp white wine, light beer, or sparkling water with lemon all pair nicely.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Canned Shrimp
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 cans (4 ounces each) tiny shrimp, drained well
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1 cup cocktail sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin film of oil if desired for easier cleanup. Spread the drained tiny shrimp evenly across the bottom.
2. Add the cream cheese cubes over the shrimp, then spoon the cocktail sauce on top. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and half of the sliced green onions.
3. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is hot and creamy.
4. Once fully heated, stir again until smooth, then top with the remaining green onions. Turn the slow cooker to warm for serving, and set out crackers, bread, or vegetables alongside.
Variations & Tips
Make it sharper: Swap the mozzarella for shredded sharp cheddar for a stronger, more classic party-dip flavor. Cheddar will give the dip a deeper color and a slightly bolder finish.
Add gentle heat: Stir in a spoonful of prepared horseradish or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick. Start small, since canned shrimp are delicate and can be overwhelmed by too much spice.
Watch the salt: Tiny canned shrimp and cocktail sauce can both bring plenty of seasoning, so taste before adding any extra salt. Draining the shrimp very well helps keep the texture rich instead of watery.
Keep it smooth: Softened cream cheese melts more evenly and blends faster in the slow cooker. If the dip seems too thick after cooking, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Make-ahead tip: You can combine everything except the green onion garnish in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and refrigerate it for several hours. When ready to cook, place the insert in the cooker and add a little extra time since the ingredients will be cold.