Go Back
A close-up of a cheesy, baked Hot Shrimp Dip in a ceramic dish, garnished with herbs and served with crackers on the side.

Spicy Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip

This incredibly rich, creamy, and spicy dip is packed with succulent shrimp and a symphony of bold Cajun flavors, making it the perfect show-stopping appetizer for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Shrimp
  • 1 lb Shrimp fresh or thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning divided
For the Creamy Dip Base
  • 2 8-oz blocks Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise full-fat recommended
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream full-fat recommended
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning for the dip
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1-2 tsp Hot Sauce e.g., Tabasco or Louisiana style, to taste
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Green Onions thinly sliced, divided for dip and garnish
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper finely diced
  • 1 stalk Celery finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese shredded, or Pepper Jack for more heat, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

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

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove shrimp from skillet, let cool slightly, then coarsely chop.
Assemble the Dip
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a rubber spatula or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning (for the dip), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Stir in most of the thinly sliced green onions (reserving a small amount for garnish), the finely diced red bell pepper, and finely diced celery.
  4. Fold in the chopped cooked shrimp, 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and all of the grated Parmesan cheese until just combined.
Bake and Serve
  1. Transfer the shrimp dip mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and lightly golden brown on top.
  3. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and the reserved sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.

Notes

This Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip is fantastic served with sturdy crackers, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell pepper for a lighter option. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.