Cajun Shrimp with Cheesy Kick (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 bell pepper (yellow, red, or orange), finely diced
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 stalks celery, finely diced

→ Cheese & Dairy

05 - 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
06 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
08 - 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

→ Seasonings & Extras

09 - 2 tablespoons creole seasoning
10 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Protein

13 - 1 pound shrimp, deveined, cooked, tails removed, and roughly chopped

→ Garnish & Serving

14 - Parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)
15 - Crackers, chips, or bread (for dipping)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9x9 casserole dish with baking spray. Set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery. Cook until slightly softened and golden spots appear, about 4 to 5 minutes.
03 - Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Use a rubber spatula to break up the cream cheese and mix everything thoroughly.
04 - Add the creole seasoning, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp until evenly incorporated.
05 - Transfer the shrimp mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
06 - Bake for 30 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the edges and golden on top.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm alongside crackers, chips, or bread for dipping.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, ensure the shrimp are thoroughly cooked before adding to the mixture.