why make this recipe
This Cajun Shrimp Dip is warm, creamy, and full of bold flavor. It cooks fast and works well for parties or a simple snack. The mix of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Cajun spice makes it rich and tasty. It also pairs well with many breads and crackers.
introduction
This dip uses cooked shrimp, cream cheese, and a few vegetables for a quick warm appetizer. If you enjoy simple party dips, try a related easy starter like a bruschetta dip recipe for a different bright flavor.
how to make Cajun Shrimp Dip
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the diced bell pepper and celery until they soften, about 6 minutes.
- Add green onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped cooked shrimp, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Keep heat low and stir until cream cheese melts and mix is smooth.
- Spoon everything into a baking dish and bake at 400˚F for 25 minutes, until top is brown and bubbling.
Ingredients :
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large bell pepper (seeded and diced small — orange used here)
- 2 ribs celery (diced small)
- 6 green onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1½ lbs. large shrimp (cooked and chopped)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell pepper and celery to the pan and sauté until beginning to soften, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the green onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute more, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the shrimp, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir over low heat until the cream cheese is melted and everything is evenly mixed. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbling. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.
how to serve Cajun Shrimp Dip
Serve the dip hot right from the oven. Offer toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks. Place small plates and napkins nearby so guests can scoop easily.
how to store Cajun Shrimp Dip
Cool the dip to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350˚F until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Do not keep it too long because of the shrimp.
tips to make Cajun Shrimp Dip
- Use cooked shrimp to save time and avoid overcooking.
- Chop vegetables small so they cook evenly.
- Taste the mix before baking and adjust Cajun seasoning if you want more or less heat.
- Warm the cream cheese a bit if it is very cold to help it melt faster.
- Use a shallow baking dish so the dip heats through evenly.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Mix in a little hot sauce for extra kick.
- Swap Parmesan for cheddar for a milder, sharper flavor.
- Use scallops or crab instead of shrimp for a different seafood twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw shrimp?
A: You can, but you must cook it first. Raw shrimp can overcook in the oven and become tough. Cook and chop it before adding.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the mix, store it in the fridge, then bake when ready. Bake time may increase a few minutes if it is cold.
Q: Is this dip spicy?
A: It has a Cajun kick. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning for milder heat or add more for extra spice.
Q: Can I freeze the dip?
A: Freezing is not recommended because the texture of cream cheese and shrimp can change when thawed.
Q: What else can I serve with it?
A: Try pita chips, toasted baguette, crackers, celery, or carrot sticks.
Cajun Shrimp Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm, creamy, and flavorful Cajun Shrimp Dip that’s perfect for parties and snacking.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large bell pepper (seeded and diced small)
- 2 ribs celery (diced small)
- 6 green onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1½ lbs. large shrimp (cooked and chopped)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell pepper and celery to the pan and sauté until beginning to soften, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the green onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute more, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the shrimp, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir over low heat until the cream cheese is melted and everything is evenly mixed.
- Spoon the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbling. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.
Notes
Use cooked shrimp to save time and avoid overcooking. Taste the mix before baking and adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg