This creamy Cajun shrimp dip brings together shrimp, spices, and cream cheese for a tasty treat. It’s perfect for your next gathering or game night!
Making this dip is a breeze! Just mix your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and enjoy. It’s always a hit, and I love how the flavors come together so well.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use medium shrimp for this dip, but feel free to swap them for large shrimp or even cooked shrimp for quicker prep. If you’re looking for a meatless option, try using artichoke hearts or a mix of diced veggies!
Cajun Seasoning: This adds the signature kick! You can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re out. Or, if you prefer milder flavors, substitute with Italian seasoning.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that nice creamy texture. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt, which adds protein and tang but keep in mind it may be slightly thinner in texture.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or pepper jack can also give a rich flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, look for dairy-free cream cheese or nut-based alternatives.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Both add creaminess. If you want to lighten it up, substitute with more Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayo for a dairy-free dip.
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they cook quickly. Follow these tips for perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Heat your oil or butter until hot, but not smoking, before adding shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and form a “C” shape. Overcooking can make them tough.
- Removing them from the heat at the right time will keep them tender!
Keep this in mind for any shrimp dish—you want them just cooked through. They’ll continue to cook a bit while they cool too! Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp Dip with this perfectly cooked shrimp for the best flavor.
Cajun Shrimp Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives, divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing shrimp)
- Baguette slices or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven. So, in total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. The great news is you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot, ready for that yummy dip!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. This will give them a flavor boost right away!
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool.
4. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and half of the green onions or chives. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Add the Cheese:
Next, fold the shredded mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Feel free to taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking!
6. Combine with Shrimp:
Gently fold about two-thirds of the cooked shrimp into the dip mixture. Remember to save some shrimp to place on top for decoration!
7. Transfer and Spread:
Spread the shrimp and cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top!
8. Top with Shrimp:
Now, arrange the remaining shrimp on top of the dip mixture. They’ll make it look extra appetizing!
9. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly dip with a golden brown top—yum!
10. Garnish:
Once done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the rest of the chopped green onions or chives over the top. This adds a fresh touch!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with toasted baguette slices or crispy crackers for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite with friends and family!
This creamy, spicy Cajun Shrimp Dip is an excellent choice for appetizers at your party or game night. You’ll be the hit of the gathering!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp, you can skip the sautéing step. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the dip. You might want to reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you’re looking for a bigger kick, try adding more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the shrimp before baking. If you’re using raw shrimp, it’s best to add them the day of to ensure freshness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat!
