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Creamy Cajun Seafood Dip Everyone Loves - A Warm, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 8 oz lump crab meat (drained if canned)
  • 1–1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Olive oil or nonstick spray (for the baking dish)
  • For serving: Toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, pita chips, or celery sticks

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, and cook until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Add chopped shrimp to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook just until pink, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until evenly blended.
  5. Fold in seafood: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp mixture, crab meat, and half the green onions. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
  6. Assemble and bake: Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish. Top with a small handful of shredded cheese. Bake 18–22 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and lightly golden on top.
  7. Finish and serve: Let the dip rest 5 minutes. Garnish with remaining green onions and parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.