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Cajun Shrimp Dip - Creamy, Spicy, Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces (about 1/2-inch)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (divided)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (divided)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional garnish: lemon zest, extra Cajun seasoning, hot sauce
  • For serving: toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, pita chips, or celery sticks

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1- to 1.5-quart baking dish or an 8-inch skillet.
  2. Season and sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped shrimp, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp are just pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth. Mix in lemon juice and Worcestershire.
  4. Fold in flavor add-ins: Stir in red bell pepper, green onions, half the parsley, 1 cup Monterey Jack, and all the Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the shrimp: Gently fold the sautéed shrimp and any skillet juices into the creamy mixture. Don’t overmix; you want small, tender pieces throughout.
  6. Assemble: Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack.
  7. Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with the remaining parsley, a pinch of Cajun seasoning, and a little lemon zest if you like. Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or veggies.