Cheesy shrimp Rotel dip with velveeta is an amazing hot dip made on the stove served as a cheap appetizer during the holidays or Super Bowl. You can keep warm and serve next to our slow cooker velveeta sausage dip too.
If you haven’t tried this appetizer yet, you should make it for your next get together. One of our favorite hot dip recipes on our site that people rave about when they come over. Make it mild or spicy served with chips or sliced baguette.
I don’t know about you but when family comes over for the holidays I am ALL about snacking. My MIL hates it because she wants us to save all of our hunger for the main dish that has been cooking for hours. I am the opposite. I would rather enjoy this, a pressure cooker crack dip, and side dishes than a ham or turkey any day.
Oh and I am all about cheese dip, like lots of it. Sharp cheddar and Mexican blend is the best if you ask me. Not only should you fold some inside but melt it on top so it’s ooey gooey all the way around. And then you can choose an array of things to scoop it up.
Ingredient Notes
- Shredded cheese, cheddar is recommended but use your favorite blend
- Can of Rotel is best with chiles and diced tomatoes inside
- Mini shrimp, frozen but thawed out before added
- Velveeta or this is how to make Velveeta homemade
- Cajun seasoning for heat is what we use
- Milk or dairy free alternative works too
Then you’ll want a saucepan to simmer over medium heat so it’s bubbly and gooey. Transfer to a serving dish when ready with goodies on the side to scoop it up.
Variations and Substitutions
If you are new to this can of YUM there are a few different kinds, the biggest difference is the spice level. There is original and jalapeno in general so choose how hot you want it as far as that goes. I like mild for Rotel Sausage Dip and medium for this but up to you.
We use the milder version to make Instant Pot chicken spaghetti. That is super cheesy too and also uses shelf stable cheese as well as shredded. If you use it a lot like we do you can buy a case online so you always have a few on hand. This is what you’ll need to have to make this:
Other optional ingredients you could include if you chose to would be some diced bell peppers, half can of cream of mushroom soup to make it thicker, precooked ground beef to add protein, or red pepper flakes for extra heat. If you are making as a Leftover Shrimp Recipe you would integrate the meat at the very end. You can take a peek at our dairy free buffalo chicken dip too if you want other options for guests.
Can you use frozen shrimp?
When you add shrimp even to our copycat Publix buffalo chicken dip, they really do need to be defrosted. Almost always these teeny tiny versions are sold in a bag in the freezer section. If you just run them under some warm water it won’t take long to get them just right. After this is done you could transfer into a slow cooker and keep on warm for hours.
What is Rotel made of?
It is basically a can full of diced tomatoes, with chopped green chilis, roasted jalapenos and spices mixed within too. You can use it for a variety of recipes including dips and even spaghetti!
Can I substitute salsa for Rotel?
You could. If you had a chunky version it would be kinda’ similar so yes it could be a good substitute if you didn’t want to buy an extra ingredient from the store. I do have our homemade Rotel recipe here though that is better.
Shrimp Rotel Dip Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pan
Ingredients
- 1 can rotel
- 8 oz Velveeta
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shrimp, mini, precooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it reaches a slow rolling boil. Stir for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Pour into serving dish and serve with chips or crackers.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to save leftovers
When done you could certainly save it for the next day to enjoy. Make sure it is completely cooled first though. Then transfer to a dish with a lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat dip?
It is to transfer it to a microwave safe dish first. Heat for about 45 seconds, then stir, heat again, stir and keep doing this until it is as hot as you want. You could melt some extra cheese on top if you wanted, or if you have leftover meats from the day before just dice and add that in as well.
This popular deep South dish can be served everywhere, yes even here in Idaho. 😉 If you’re new to Rotel tomatoes you are in for a real treat. Don’t stop with this dish, you should add a can into our cheesy spaghetti too.
