Creole Shrimp Kick

Discover the Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Cajun Shrimp Dip Recipe

Are you a fan of seafood, especially shrimp, like we are in our home? If so, get ready to add a sensational new favorite to your recipe collection. While you might have enjoyed our Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas or indulged in our Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce, Tomatoes, and Spinach, today’s creation takes things in a wonderfully different direction: a sizzling hot, incredibly flavorful Cajun Shrimp Dip.

This isn’t just any dip; it’s an experience. We’re talking about a dip that perfectly balances zesty Cajun spices with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy and ridiculously cheesy sauce. It’s effortless to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and always a huge hit with friends and family. Prepare yourself for endless compliments!

Why This Cajun Shrimp Dip Will Be Your New Go-To Appetizer

There are countless reasons why this Cajun Shrimp Dip has earned its spot as a household favorite. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into any occasion, from casual game nights to elegant holiday parties. Here’s what makes it truly special:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic starts with authentic Cajun seasoning, bringing a bold, zesty kick that perfectly complements the rich seafood. Paired with fresh garlic, crisp vegetables, and a creamy cheese blend, every spoonful is bursting with complex and delightful tastes.
• Irresistibly Creamy and Cheesy: A harmonious blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan forms the luscious base. This creates a texture that is smooth, decadent, and utterly addictive, making it impossible to stop at just one scoop.
• Packed with Juicy Shrimp: We use medium shrimp, carefully chopped into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that you get a tender, flavorful piece of shrimp in every dip. The shrimp adds a wonderful protein boost and a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Simple & Quick Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste, this dip is incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and just 20 minutes in the oven, you can have a show-stopping appetizer ready in under half an hour. It’s perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you crave something special without a lot of fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: While delicious with a freshly sliced baguette, this dip is equally fantastic with an array of dippers, from crackers and pita chips to crunchy fresh vegetables. It adapts to whatever you have on hand, making it incredibly flexible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dip is always a welcome addition. Its comforting warmth and exciting flavors make it a hit across all seasons and celebrations.

Don’t just take our word for it; this Cajun Shrimp Dip is designed to be loved by everyone. Its vibrant flavors and comforting textures make it an appetizer that will be requested time and time again.

Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Cajun Shrimp Dip

Creating this irresistible dip starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: The star of the show! We recommend using 1 1/2 lbs. of medium shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) and be sure to peel, devein, and chop them into 2-3 bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich, foundational flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper: Finely chopped, it adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and a subtle crispness.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery contributes a classic aromatic crunch and a hint of earthy flavor, essential for a good Cajun base.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild, fresh onion flavor that brightens the dip.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is indispensable for depth and aromatic complexity. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• Cajun Seasoning: This is where the “Cajun” magic happens! We personally love and use Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning for its perfect blend of spices and heat, though you can use your favorite brand.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the creamy backbone of the dip, providing richness and tang.
• Mayonnaise: A good quality mayonnaise adds another layer of creaminess and helps achieve that perfect dip consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty lift, cutting through the richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce provides a savory, umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Mozzarella and Provolone Cheeses: This blend offers incredible meltiness and a mild, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp and spices.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and nutty finish, both mixed into the dip and sprinkled on top for a golden crust.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating an appetizer that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Mastering Your Cajun Shrimp Dip: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this incredibly delicious Cajun Shrimp Dip is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and zesty appetizer every time:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Lightly spray a medium-sized casserole or baking dish with a nonstick baking spray. This ensures your dip bakes evenly and cleans up easily. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the finely chopped red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Sauté these vegetables for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly and become fragrant.
3. Add Garlic and Shrimp: Next, stir in the minced garlic and the chopped medium shrimp. Sprinkle two teaspoons of your chosen Creole seasoning over the mixture. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are almost cooked through. They should turn pink and opaque but still be slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the mixture from the heat and transfer it to a bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving any excess liquid behind in the skillet. This prevents the dip from becoming watery.
4. Create the Creamy Base: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened 8-ounce package of cream cheese, 1/3 cup of good quality mayonnaise, the remaining one teaspoon of Creole seasoning, the juice of half a lemon, and two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Fold in one cup of the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, along with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the cream cheese mixture. This cheese will melt beautifully into the dip, adding incredible flavor and a stretchy texture.
6. Combine and Transfer: Gently fold the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture into the creamy cheese base until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Assemble and Top: Spread the combined dip mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. For an extra cheesy, golden topping, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese, along with the final tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, over the top.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The dip is ready when the top is lightly browned, the cheese is bubbly, and the edges are gloriously golden.
9. Serve Hot: Carefully remove the hot dip from the oven. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This allows the dip to set slightly and become easier to scoop. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Following these steps will ensure a magnificent Cajun Shrimp Dip that will impress everyone at your table!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

Once your Cajun Shrimp Dip emerges from the oven, bubbly and golden, it’s ready to be devoured! The beauty of this dip lies in its versatility, pairing wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Fresh Baguette Slices: Our go-to choice! Slice a fresh baguette thinly on the diagonal and toast lightly for an added crunch. The sturdy slices are perfect for scooping up generous amounts of the rich dip.
• Crispy Crackers: A classic pairing. Choose sturdy crackers like Ritz, Triscuits, or water crackers to complement the dip without overpowering its flavor.
• Pita Chips: Lightly salted pita chips offer a delightful crispness and are strong enough to handle the creamy texture of the dip.
• Fresh Vegetable Crudités: For a lighter, healthier option, serve with an assortment of crisp vegetables. Bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange), celery sticks, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks provide a refreshing contrast.
• Tortilla Chips: Salted tortilla chips add a Tex-Mex twist and are fantastic for scooping.
• In a Bread Bowl: For an impressive presentation, hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough works well) and serve the dip inside. You can then tear off pieces of the bread bowl to dip as you eat!

This dip is a true showstopper for any occasion. It’s perfect for a casual summer get-together, a lively holiday party, or even a cozy movie night. Its rich, comforting flavors make it an ideal choice for the upcoming holiday season or any weekend gathering. We guarantee it will quickly become a family and friend favorite that you’ll want to make on repeat all year long!

Enjoy every delightful scoop!

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 servings

This Cajun Shrimp Dip is a zesty appetizer that’s always a crowd pleaser! It’s a tasty combination of shrimp and veggies in a creamy, cheesy base. Total YUM!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 lbs. medium shrimp, each cut into 2-3 pieces depending on the size
• 1 Tbsp. Creole Seasoning (we use Tony Chachere’s)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup good mayonnaise
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese
• 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Spray a medium casserole dish with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red pepper, celery, and green onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the chopped shrimp, minced garlic, and two teaspoons of the Creole seasoning. Continue to cook just until the shrimp are almost cooked through. Transfer the mixture to a bowl with a slotted spoon to drain any excess liquid.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, the remaining one teaspoon of Creole seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, one cup of the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese, and two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Fold the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
5. Spread the dip into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the dip is bubbly around the edges.
7. Serve hot with baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

• We recommend Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning for its robust flavor, but feel free to use your preferred brand.
• Cutting medium shrimp into bite-sized chunks makes the dip easier to enjoy with dippers.
• If a mozzarella and provolone blend is unavailable, you can substitute with an Italian cheese blend or use equal parts of each cheese separately, such as those from Sargento.
• Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning to your taste – add more for extra spice, or less for a milder flavor.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 654mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 954IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 2mg

Keywords: Cheese, Comfort Food, dip, shrimp, appetizer, party food, seafood dip

Cuisine: American, Cajun, Creole

Course: Appetizer, Snack