Hot Shrimp Dip

Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese – A Louisiana specialty… This decadent easy appetizer is quick to throw together and disappears in no time. It is sure to become your new favorite snack.

Why We Love This Best Louisiana Shrimp Dip 

Cajun Shrimp Dip is a Louisiana specialty. A friend introduced me to this cheesy party dip several years ago, and I’ve been craving it ever since! 

It is a simple and casual appetizer that is hard to resist.

Shrimp Dip is meant to be served hot with baguette slices, pita chips, crostini, or ritz crackers. However, you can also serve it with cut vegetables like celery sticks, baby carrots, or sliced bell peppers. Each creamy bite is packed with nutty cheese, herbs and spices, sweet bell pepper, and little chunks for steaming hot shrimp.

This is a cheese and seafood lover’s dream come true!

What’s The Rule On Cheese and Seafood?

There’s an old culinary mindset that cheese and seafood are not a great pairing. The theory is that the richness of the cheese will overshadow the delicate flavor of the seafood.

While this might be true in some cases, most of the time, it’s completely false.

In fact, certain types of fish and shellfish are enhanced by the addition of creamy salty cheese.

Just think about it… Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp, Silky Parmesan Risotto, and Clams, Fish Tacos with Queso Fresco, and my all-time favorite myth buster, Cajun Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese and Cheddar.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you will need to make this fabulous party snack:

• Small raw shrimp – Use popcorn shrimp for less chopping.
• Butter
• Red bell pepper 
• Sweet onion
• Garlic, minced
• Cajun seasoning – AKA creole seasoning or Old Bay seasoning
• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise – regular or low-fat mayo
• Cheddar cheese – or sub colby, monterey jack, or mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Scallions – chopped green onion
• Lemon juice
• Louisiana hot sauce – or Tabasco sauce, optional

You can use any size of raw shrimp you have on hand. However, the shrimp needs to be chopped into small pieces so it’s easy to scoop up on crackers. 

Pro Tip: If you are sensitive to spice, use the Cajun Seasoning, but skip the extra hot sauce!

How To Make Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

1. Preheat the oven. Set a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. 
2. Sauté the butter, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and garlic in the skillet until soft.
3. Chop the shrimp. If using “popcorn shrimp” there is no need to chop it. If using large shrimp, roughly chop into bite-size pieces.
4. Sauté the shrimp. Once the vegetables are softened, add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning to the mixture. 
5. Mix. Stir in the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheese, herbs, and lemon juice. 
6. Bake. Sprinkle the top with extra parmesan cheese. Bake until the edges are bubbly. Then serve hot with chips, crackers, or sliced baguettes.

Get the Full (Printable) Cajun Shrimp Dip Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Shrimp Dip Recipe Variations

Although I suggest trying this recipe as-is the first time, feel free to mix things up when you remake it!

Shrimp Swaps – Diced scallops, clams, or squid. (The firmer the shellfish, the smaller you should chop it.)

Cheese Swaps -Try it with smoked gouda, muenster, pepper jack, and/or pecorino.

Mayonnaise Swap – Mayonnaise really does offer a lovely tangy note that lifts the heaviness of the cheese. However, if you do not eat mayonnaise, swap it for sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This cajun shrimp dip recipe is the appetizer to beat all appetizers! Serve with a side of your favorite crackers, some crusty bread, and freshly chopped veggies. You can also try pairing it with some of my own personal favorites:

• Cauliflower Crackers
• Cloud Bread
• Homemade Tortillas
• Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Skip The Fresh Onions and Garlic and Use The Powdered Products Instead? 

Yes, you can use garlic powder and/or onion powder. But the fresh onions and garlic offer a much brighter flavor and chunky texture. I would personally take the time to do the chopping.

Can I Use Canned Shrimp?

Yes, if raw shrimp is not available in your area, you can use cooked canned shrimp. Make sure to drain it well before adding to the skillet. If you can find fresh shrimp, it tastes much better in this retro hot shrimp dip.

What If I Cannot Find Cajun or Creole Seasoning? 

You can definitely buy these spice blends online. However, if you want to make the most of your spice rack, try this recipe. 

How Long Does Louisiana Shrimp Dip Last In The Fridge? 

After baking, you can wrap and keep this dip in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Rewarm it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Can You Freeze The Leftovers?

No, this is not a great freezer recipe. The molten cheese does not thaw and reheat well. 

However, I will say, that it’s very unlikely that you will have enough leftovers to consider freezing. Cajun Shrimp Dip usually disappears very fast! Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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