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- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup (240g) cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream The main ingredients in this dip create a rich, creamy base. The shrimp gives a nice seafood flavor. Cream cheese adds a smooth texture, while sour cream brings a slight tang. - 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise - 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Mayonnaise adds extra creaminess and richness. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and gives great flavor. Cajun seasoning provides that signature spice that makes this dip pop. - 2 green onions, sliced thinly (keep white and green parts separate) - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped - Tortilla chips or sliced baguette Garnishes like green onions and red bell pepper add color and freshness. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced baguette for a delightful crunch. These choices make the dip fun to enjoy and easy to share. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. - Once the oil shines, add 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell good but not brown. - Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over them. - Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often until the shrimp turn pink and look opaque. - Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool a bit. Then, chop the shrimp into small pieces. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. - Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend these until they are smooth and creamy. This base will make your dip rich and flavorful. - Add the chopped shrimp, 1/2 of a finely chopped red bell pepper, and the sliced white parts of 2 green onions to the creamy mix. - Don't forget to add the rest of the Cajun seasoning, the juice of 1/2 a lemon, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. - Stir everything well so all the flavors mix. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. - Now, transfer the creamy shrimp mixture into a baking dish and smooth it out evenly. - Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. This will give your dip a cheesy finish. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dip for 20 to 25 minutes. It’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - After baking, let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp dip with tortilla chips or baguette slices! To get the best taste, adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your preference. Start with two tablespoons. Taste and add more if you want extra kick. Fresh ingredients make a big difference too. Use fresh shrimp, herbs, and veggies for the best flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it mix better. If it’s too cold, the dip will be lumpy. Mix everything thoroughly. A smooth, creamy texture is what you want for this dip. Serve the dip warm for the best taste. It’s gooey and delicious right out of the oven. For a fun touch, use a variety of dippers. Tortilla chips or sliced baguette work great. You can even add some veggie sticks for crunch! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: For the most flavorful dip, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dip. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat, and add more to taste. Mix and Match Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or cheddar for added flavor. Combining cheeses can give the dip a unique twist! Don’t Skip the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional green onions on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of freshness to every bite. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add diced jalapeños. This gives the dip a nice kick. If you love heat, this will make your taste buds dance. Simply mix the jalapeños in with the shrimp and creamy base. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This twist adds a fun layer of flavor. If you want a meat-free option, try substituting shrimp with black beans or artichokes. Black beans give a hearty texture, while artichokes bring a unique taste. Both options work well with the creamy mix. Just chop them up and fold them in. This makes the dip suitable for everyone at your table. Experimenting with cheeses can change the dip's flavor. Try using different kinds like cheddar or pepper jack. Cheddar adds a sharpness, and pepper jack provides extra spice. Mix any of these cheeses into your dip for a new taste. You can even combine them for a rich and complex flavor. To store leftovers, put the dip in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use either the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze this dip before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it well with plastic wrap. This way, it stays fresh. To bake from frozen, add extra time in the oven. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare this dip ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients and place them in a baking dish. Cover it and refrigerate before baking. This makes it easy for parties or gatherings. You can serve this dip with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks. All these options add a nice crunch and pair well with the creamy dip. To make the dip less spicy, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can adjust it to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Yes, this dip is gluten-free. All the ingredients used can be gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on your products to be sure. You now have a complete guide to making a tasty Cajun shrimp dip. Start with fresh shrimp, cream cheese, and spices to create a creamy base. Remember to adjust the heat and mix well for the best flavor. Serve it warm with delicious dippers like tortilla chips or sliced baguette. Feel free to try different cheeses and variations for added fun. Enjoy this easy and satisfying dip at your next gathering! It’s sure to be a hit.

Decadent Cajun Shrimp Dip

A rich and creamy shrimp dip with a spicy Cajun twist, perfect for parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 green onions sliced thinly (keep white and green parts separate)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for serving tortilla chips or sliced baguette

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it's fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the shrimp to cool slightly before chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • To the creamy mixture, add the chopped shrimp, finely chopped red bell pepper, sliced white parts of the green onions, the remaining Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste.
  • Transfer the creamy shrimp mixture into a baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, creating a cheesy layer.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with tortilla chips or sliced baguette for easy scooping.
Keyword appetizer, Cajun, party food, shrimp dip