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A hand dipping a cracker into a hot, cheesy dip, illustrating a delicious shrimp dip recipe.

Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip

This fiery and flavorful Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip is loaded with succulent shrimp, a creamy, spicy cheese blend, and classic Cajun seasonings, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Dip Base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions white and light green parts
  • 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely minced (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce e.g., Tabasco or Frank's RedHot
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Topping & Serving
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • n/a n/a Tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shrimp, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine Dip Ingredients
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Add Shrimp & Mix
  1. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp until evenly distributed throughout the dip mixture.
Bake the Dip
  1. Transfer the shrimp dip mixture to a 9x13 inch (or similar) oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of liquid smoke to the dip mixture. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce and omit the jalapeño. This dip is best served warm directly from the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.