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To make this delicious dip, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated) - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - Juice of 1/2 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla chips or baguette slices for serving These ingredients blend to create a rich and creamy dip, full of flavor. To make your dip even more appealing, consider these garnishes: - Extra sliced green onions - Whole shrimp placed on top - A sprinkle of paprika for color Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips or baguette slices. The crunch pairs well with the creamy texture. This dip serves 6-8 people and has a rich flavor. Each serving has about: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 15g - Fat: 25g - Carbohydrates: 8g Allergens to note include shellfish (shrimp), dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise), and gluten (if using regular chips). Always check labels if you have allergies. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your shrimp ready. Take 1 pound of shrimp, peel, and devein them. In a medium skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Garlic adds great flavor! Next, toss in the shrimp. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning on top. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from heat. Let them cool a bit, then chop into small pieces. Now, let’s create that rich, creamy base. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Mix these well until you get a smooth, creamy texture. This mix will be the heart of your dip. It’s time to bring everything together. Add the chopped shrimp, 1/2 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper, and the sliced white parts of 2 green onions to the bowl. Then, mix in the remaining Cajun seasoning, juice from half a lemon, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown on top. Once baked, let it cool slightly. Finally, garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy it warm with tortilla chips or baguette slices! To cook shrimp well, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Peel and devein them first. Heat a bit of olive oil in your skillet. Add minced garlic for flavor. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a pink and opaque color. This shows they are done. If you overcook them, they will turn tough. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Ensure the cream cheese is very soft. This helps create a smooth dip. Stir in the shrimp and other ingredients gently. If the dip feels thick, add a small splash of lemon juice. This keeps it creamy and delightful. Serve your dip warm, right from the oven. Use a nice baking dish for a good look. Arrange tortilla chips or baguette slices around it. This invites guests to dig in. For added charm, garnish with green onions or whole shrimp on top. It makes your dip pop with color and flavor! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Using fresh shrimp will enhance the overall flavor of your dip. If frozen shrimp are used, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. For a milder dip, reduce the seasoning, or for an extra kick, increase it! Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a warm and creamy treat. Garnish for Flair: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or additional green onions on top just before serving can elevate the presentation and add a fresh flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the spice level in your dip. Try using spicy Creole seasoning instead of Cajun. This adds heat and a distinct flavor. You could also use chili powder or smoked paprika. Both give great taste and warmth. If you like it hot, add cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can boost the spice without overpowering the dip. You can make this dip more colorful and nutritious. Adding veggies like diced jalapeños or chopped spinach works well. You could also mix in artichokes for a fun twist. If you want more protein, try adding crab or cooked chicken. These additions give new flavors and textures. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! While tortilla chips are great, there are other fun ways to serve this dip. Use fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. These add crunch and a healthy touch. You can also serve the dip in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. This makes for an eye-catching presentation at parties! To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp dip fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This will help keep the dip from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to heat up the dip, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until it is warm and bubbly. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you want to store the dip for a longer time, freezing is a good option. First, let the dip cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly. After thawing, peel and devein them if needed. Then, you can follow the recipe as usual. To make this dip healthier, you can swap some ingredients. Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. This keeps the flavor but cuts down on calories. This dip tastes great with many sides. Serve it with tortilla chips or baguette slices. You can also use fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery for a crunchy option. Pairing it with a light salad adds freshness to your meal too. Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to serve, just bake it. This makes it easy for parties or gatherings. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Creamy Cajun Shrimp Dip. We covered the main ingredients, storage tips, and even variations to keep it fun. Cooking shrimp properly is key to a great dip. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Remember, you can make this dip ahead of time. Try different veggies and proteins to switch things up. Enjoy every bite of this creamy delight at your next gathering!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Dip

A rich and flavorful dip made with shrimp, cream cheese, and Cajun spices, perfect for parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1/2 piece red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 piece lemon, juiced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving tortilla chips or baguette slices

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with half of the Cajun seasoning, and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before chopping into small pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in the chopped shrimp, chopped red bell pepper, sliced white parts of the green onions, the remaining Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with the green parts of the sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve warm with tortilla chips or baguette slices. Garnish with whole shrimp or extra green onions for presentation.
Keyword appetizer, Cajun, party food, shrimp dip