This Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip is packed with shrimp, cream cheese, and a kick of Cajun seasoning! It’s creamy, zesty, and perfect for dipping with chips or veggies.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make a double batch—it disappears fast! 🔥 Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for any gathering. Enjoy your yummy creation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are great for this dip. If you don’t have fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work well, just thaw them first. You could also use crab meat or cooked lobster for a twist!
Cream Cheese: The base of this dip, cream cheese gives it that creamy texture. If you need a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier take.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack add flavor and creaminess. You can substitute them with other cheeses like pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the dish its signature flavor. You can make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme if you don’t have any handy.
Hot Sauce: I prefer using a classic like Tabasco, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce! Sriracha or a chipotle sauce could also work nicely for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking the shrimp right is essential for this dip. You want them tender, not rubbery. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat with olive oil or butter. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of sear!
- Remove the shrimp from heat and let them cool slightly before chopping for the dip. Reserve a few whole for garnishing!
Perfectly cooked shrimp are the heart of this dip. Enjoy making it!
Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Louisiana hot sauce)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter, for cooking shrimp
- French bread slices or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, totaling roughly 40 minutes until it’s ready to serve. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for parties or game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for the dip when you’re done mixing everything.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil or butter. Once it’s warm, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook them until they’re pink and opaque, about 2 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
Take half of the cooked shrimp and roughly chop them into pieces. Keep the rest whole to use as a garnish later.
4. Mix the Dip:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
5. Fold in the Shrimp:
Gently fold in the chopped shrimp into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Next, pour the dip mixture into a small cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake Until Golden:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll love the aroma!
8. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, remove the dip from the oven and garnish the top with the reserved whole shrimp and some additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
9. Dig In!
Serve your Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip immediately with toasted French bread slices or crispy crackers for dipping. Enjoy this rich, spicy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings a taste of Louisiana right to your table!
Happy dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Dip?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quick thawing.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip the day before! Mix all the ingredients together and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed—no need to adjust baking time significantly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your preference. For a milder dip, reduce these ingredients and consider omitting the cayenne entirely!
