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Cajun Shrimp Dip

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Cajun shrimp dip features lots of big chunks of shrimp in a creamy, cheesy, warm dip. The mix of seasonings and a diced jalapeno bring some spice to make it interesting. It is a tasty appetizer, perfect for a wide variety of occasions.

Hand dipping tortilla chip into a pile of cheesy cajun shrimp dip.

This creamy Cajun shrimp dip is the stuff snacking dreams are made if. It has just the right amount of spice, plenty of shrimp and gooey melty cheese. 

It is hard to stop eating it once you start. Make some for your next party or for game day, you won’t be disappointed.

We happen to love a little spice at our house.  Well, two of the three of us do.  Little Dude thinks things are too spicy sometimes, but he’ll grow into it!   

Ingredients for Cajun shrimp dip including shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeno, spices, and cheddar cheese.

I like to have food with a good kick every now and then.   I like chopping whole jalapenos for our chili and I love a good stuffed jalapeno.

Peach Habanero Jelly?  Now that’s my jam!  

I am all about some buffalo chicken dip and have been known to enjoy my hot wings with hot sauce when given the choices of mild, medium or hot.

My husband on the other hand, likes to take it to the extreme.  He has been known to leave all of the seeds and ribs in some jalapenos with stuffing them.

When my dad made habanero hot sauce, my husband was the only one brave enough to try it and go back for seconds.  

When we go to a wing place to watch football he has to order the blazin’ sauce.

The funny part is, no matter how many times he says he likes it, I am not sure I can believe it.  His face betrays him every time.  A bite or two in he turns bright red.

 The sweat beads form on his forehead.  His eyes well up with tears.  

“Mmmm these are good” is was his mouth says.  “Fire! Fire! Please help me!” is what the rest of his body says.  

Crazy guy.  I guess whatever makes him happy!   

This dip will not bring tears to your eyes.  It is much more likely to bring a smile to your face.  

Spoon lifting out helping of creamy cajun shrimp dip fresh from the oven.

There is definitely a Cajun kick, but the sweetness of the shrimp and creaminess of the cheese turns it into a super pleasant warmth rather than a smack your face burn.

I have made this dip for everything from Easter open houses to retirement parties. It is a hit every time.

Any time you need an appetizer, this dip should be in the running. It is so good!

Tips, Tricks and Substitutions

As written, this dip is absolutely loaded with shrimp. You could get away with using half the amount if you want to.

Or stretch the recipe further by doubling the amount of cream cheese and mayonnaise. Up the spices a little bit too, and you can make more dip for not much more money.

If you don’t like the idea of mayonnaise in the dip, you could use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead.

Serving of cheesy cajun shrimp dip on small plate with tortilla chips, ready to eat.

For more spice, add an extra jalapeno. Or you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking.

You could also serve the dip with hot sauce on the side. That way people can customize their helping according to their own spice tolerance.

This dip also works great with chopped imitation crab meat.

For a large party, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.

More Hot Dip Recipes

For another cheesy dip that is loaded with flavor, try making some creamy refried bean dip. Then be sure to have plenty of tortilla chips on hand to enjoy it.

We also love pulled pork dip. It has BBQ flavors and is a great way to turn leftover pulled pork into a fun starter.

Otherwise, if you like shrimp and spice together, shrimp jalapeno poppers might be for you. They are wrapped in bacon for an extra tasty treat.

Hand dipping tortilla chip into a pile of cheesy cajun shrimp dip.

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Carlee
Just the right amount of spice, plenty of shrimp and gooey melty cheese make this so hard to stop eating once you get started. Make some for your next party and you won’t be disappointed! It’s a great game day appetizer too!
4.91 from 10 ratings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 291 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 jalapeno
  • cup mayonnaise
  • 8 oz. cream cheese softened
  • teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onion or chives

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F
  • Roughly chop the shrimp.  You want decent sized chunks left so you can see/taste it. so just cut each shrimp into 3-4 pieces. 
    1 lb cooked shrimp
  • Remove the seeds from the jalapeno and dice it relatively finely.
    1 jalapeno
  • In a medium mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise and cream cheese until mostly smooth.
    ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 8 oz. cream cheese
  • Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese, jalapeno, and spices. Fold in some green onions or chives if desired.
    1½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onion or chives
  • Add chopped shrimp and mix to combine.
  • Spread into 8-inch square baking dish and top with remaining ½ cup of cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melty and dip is heated through.
  • If desired, top with a few shakes of hot sauce and chopped chives.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips or toasted slices of baguette. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 912mgSugar: 1g
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Recipe Rating




Unknown

Tuesday 17th of May 2016

Just stopping by to let you know I made this shrimp dip this weekend and it was a huge hit at the potluck we went to! thanks for the awesome recipe!

Carlee

Wednesday 18th of May 2016

Yay!! I am so glad everyone liked it!! Thank you so much!

Frugal Hausfrau

Tuesday 17th of May 2016

I just picked up bunch of baby shrimp, frozen - I just saw it on sale and had no plan for them - NOW I have a plan! Looks tasty, Carlee!

Mollie

Carlee

Tuesday 17th of May 2016

So many possibilities, but this is definitely a good one. I hope you love it, Mollie!

Michele

Monday 16th of May 2016

This dip sounds delish! My son Jake is that way with spicy foods. The hotter the better. Most times though, I don't even believe he could be enjoying that!

Carlee

Monday 16th of May 2016

Same with Matt, there's no way he actually likes it when it's making him cry. Maybe it's the endorphins?!

Anne

Sunday 15th of May 2016

This looks so good. I love hot food!

Carlee

Sunday 15th of May 2016

Thank you, me too!

Unknown

Friday 13th of May 2016

I make a jalapeno popper dip with imitation crab and we love it. So I know that this would be a family favorite! It sounds so good! And no, I won't be eating it hot enough to sweat and turn red! LOL My dad does that too, he's bald, so you can see the heat move from the front of his neck up his face and over his head! Crazy! LOL

Carlee

Saturday 14th of May 2016

What is it with these crazy guys?! Your dip sounds delicious too, we love poppers and anything seafood.