Cajun Shrimp Dip

Turn up the heat and flavor with this irresistible Cajun Shrimp Dip—a creamy, cheesy appetizer loaded with tender shrimp, bold Creole spices, and a medley of sautéed veggies.

Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dip brings the perfect kick of Southern flair to any party, game day, or gathering.

Serve it warm with crackers, chips, or crusty bread, and watch it disappear in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Cajun Shrimp Dip because it’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and bold, zesty flavor.

The rich blend of melted cheeses, tender shrimp, and savory Creole spices creates a dip that’s both indulgent and irresistibly flavorful.

It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and adds a spicy, Southern twist to any appetizer spread.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or just for yourself—it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Key Ingredients:

Shrimp – The star of the dish! Juicy, tender shrimp bring a meaty texture and subtle seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

Cream Cheese & Mayonnaise – These create a rich, velvety texture that makes the dip irresistibly smooth and satisfying.

Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese – A bold and cheesy combo that adds depth, sharpness, and melty goodness in every bite.

Creole Seasoning – Brings smoky, spicy, and savory Cajun flair that gives the dip its signature Southern flavor.

Bell Pepper, Onion & Celery – This classic trinity adds crunch, color, and aromatic flavor to balance the richness of the cheese.

Hot Sauce – Adds just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Ingredients:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), finely diced

1 small onion, finely diced

2 celery stalks, finely diced

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

¾ cup mayonnaise

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

6 oz grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp Creole seasoning

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 lb shrimp, cooked, deveined, tails removed, and roughly chopped

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced bread (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Cook the Veggies:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and just starting to brown.

Mix the Base:

Turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese, mayo, half the cheddar cheese, and all the Parmesan.

Use a rubber spatula to break up the cream cheese and stir until everything is combined into a creamy mixture.

Season & Fold in Shrimp:

Stir in the Creole seasoning, hot sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp until evenly distributed.

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Assemble & Bake:

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crackers, chips, or bread.

Notes:

Use Cooked Shrimp: Make sure the shrimp is fully cooked before adding to the dip—this saves time and ensures the texture stays tender, not rubbery.

Chop Shrimp Evenly: Roughly chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces helps distribute it throughout the dip so you get shrimp in every scoop.

Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the hot sauce and Creole seasoning—start mild and add more to taste.

Cheese Matters: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded (which often has anti-caking agents).

Serving Tip: Serve the dip hot and fresh out of the oven—if it cools, just pop it back in to warm up or serve in a small slow cooker to keep it warm at parties.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the dip a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 10 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly—just make sure to thaw, peel, and devein them first.

Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dip.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Absolutely. You can reduce or omit the hot sauce and use a mild Creole seasoning, or replace it with a Cajun blend with lower heat.

You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side!

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.

Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

It may take a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s going in cold.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.

Stir gently to maintain a creamy texture.

Can I serve this dip cold?

This dip is best served warm for that gooey, melty cheese texture.

However, if chilled, it will still taste great—just note the texture will be firmer and less creamy.

Should the shrimp be cooked before mixing into the dip?

Yes! The shrimp should be fully cooked, deveined, and chopped before adding to the mixture. This ensures it’s tender and doesn’t overcook or release extra liquid while baking.

How do I make sure the cream cheese blends smoothly?

Cube the cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature before mixing.

Turning off the heat while combining also helps prevent curdling or separating.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover shrimp?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp works great—just make sure it’s peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces before folding into the dip.

What type of baking dish should I use?

A 9×9-inch casserole dish or any small oven-safe baking dish works well.

You want the dip to be spread evenly so it bakes and bubbles nicely without drying out.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish (like 9×13).

You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time—just watch for bubbling edges and a golden top.