Cajun Shrimp Dip Made Cheesy

This indulgent Cajun Shrimp Dip transforms any gathering into a celebration with its creamy texture and bold flavors. The combination of succulent shrimp and zesty cajun spices creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly whenever I serve it.

I first made this dip for a Super Bowl party years ago, and it's been requested at every family gathering since. Even my seafood-hesitant nephew asks for it specifically when he visits.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Creates the flavor foundation without adding saltiness
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color; choose yellow or red for the prettiest presentation
• Onion and celery: Provide the aromatic base essential to Cajun cooking
• Cream cheese: Gives the dip its luxurious creamy consistency
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create the perfect texture
• Cheddar cheese: Brings sharp flavor and that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves
• Parmesan cheese: Contributes a savory depth and helps form a golden crust
• Creole seasoning: Delivers authentic Cajun flavor; look for Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's
• Hot sauce: Allows you to control the heat level; adjust according to your preference
• Black pepper and garlic powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile
• Shrimp: The star ingredient; choose medium sized for the best texture in every bite
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish both visually and in flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly coat a 9x9 casserole dish with baking spray to prevent sticking. The square dish provides the perfect depth for this dip allowing for even heating throughout.

Sauté the Holy Trinity:

In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam but not brown. Add your diced bell pepper onion and celery cooking until they develop a slight translucency and golden edges about 4 to 5 minutes. This classic Cajun vegetable base known as the holy trinity builds essential flavor.

Create the Creamy Base:

Turn off the heat to prevent scorching and add the cubed cream cheese mayonnaise half of the shredded cheddar and all the parmesan. Using a rubber spatula gently break up and incorporate the cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. The residual heat will help melt everything together beautifully.

Season and Add Shrimp:

Add the creole seasoning hot sauce black pepper and garlic powder stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture. Gently fold in your chopped shrimp being careful not to break them up too much. You want identifiable pieces of shrimp in each bite.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top creating a blanket that will become gloriously golden during baking. Bake for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top develops a beautiful golden crust.

The creole seasoning is what truly makes this dip special. My grandmother from Louisiana always said the secret to good Cajun cooking is balancing the spices without letting any single flavor dominate. When I make this dip I always think of her kitchen and how she'd taste just a tiny bit before declaring it perfect.

Make It Your Own

This dip welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Crawfish tails work beautifully in place of shrimp for an authentic Louisiana flavor. If seafood allergies are a concern substitute diced chicken thighs cooked until tender. The creamy base remains delicious with any protein.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The texture remains creamy even after refrigeration though you may notice the flavors intensify pleasantly as they meld together.

Serving Suggestions

While crackers and chips make traditional dipping vehicles consider offering sliced baguette toasted pita triangles or even blanched vegetable crudités for a fresher option. For a stunning presentation serve the dip in a hollowed bread bowl with the removed bread cubes arranged around it for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp should I use?

Use fresh, deveined shrimp with tails removed. Cooked shrimp works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with raw shrimp as long as you cook them before adding to the dip.

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dip in the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and bake as directed.

→ What can I use for dipping?

Crackers, tortilla chips, sliced baguettes, or vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber are all great choices for dipping.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

To reduce the heat, omit or reduce the hot sauce, and use a milder Creole seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Feel free to substitute cheddar and parmesan with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère. Just ensure they melt well for a creamy consistency.