Why We Love Hot 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 must 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 Hot Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese
Get the Full (Printable) Cajun Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe Below. Enjoy!
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 offers 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 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 Keto Almond Flour Crackers Recipe Cloud Bread Homemade Tortillas Baked Sweet Potato Chips Spicy Ranch Oyster Crackers
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