This Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip is a creamy treat packed with flavor and a little kick! It’s made with tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and a mix of tasty spices that will make your taste buds dance.
Perfect for parties or game day, you’ll want to serve this with crunchy chips or veggies. I can promise you’ll catch yourself going back for more—just try to save some for everyone else! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked shrimp: Fresh, cooked shrimp is key for flavor. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work well too. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained. For a twist, try crab or diced cooked chicken!
Cream cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, use Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will still provide creaminess with less fat.
Mayonnaise: It adds richness. If you’re avoiding mayo, try using a thick yogurt or an avocado mash instead. It gives a nice flavor while being healthier!
Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dip! If you don’t have it, make your own blend with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Adjust the heat to your preference!
Cheddar cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for great flavor. You can also use pepper jack for added spice or Gouda for a smoky twist.
How Do I Get My Dip to Be Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Getting the perfect creamy texture depends on how you mix your ingredients. Start by letting the cream cheese soften at room temperature. This means it blends smoothly with the mayonnaise.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise first, mixing until smooth.
- Next, incorporate the cheddar and veggies gently. This ensures even distribution without breaking the shrimp too much.
- Taste frequently as you mix to see if the seasoning is to your liking; feel free to adjust spices at this stage!
By mixing the cheeses first, you’ll avoid lumps and ensure a creamy, delightful dip that’s well-seasoned throughout!
How to Make Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped (reserve some whole shrimp for garnish)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like Louisiana-style hot sauce)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Round bread bowl (hollowed out) or an oven-safe serving dish
For Serving:
- Crackers or sliced toasted baguette
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. Just a little over 40 minutes total, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your dip!
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, stirring until you get a smooth and creamy texture. This is the base of your dip, and you want it to be fluffy!
3. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, red bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and colorful!
4. Incorporate the Shrimp and Seasonings:
Add the chopped cooked shrimp, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and lemon juice to the mixture. Give it a good mix to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dip a quick taste! Season it with salt and black pepper according to your liking. Remember, you can always add more spices if needed!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the shrimp dip mixture into a hollowed-out round bread bowl or an oven-safe dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly.
7. Garnish:
Place a few whole cooked shrimp on top and sprinkle with additional chopped green onions and smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. You’ll love the smell that fills your kitchen!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps prevent burning your mouth and allows the flavors to settle.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delectable dip with assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Dip?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen shrimp before chopping and adding them to the mix. You can thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag for a quicker option.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up in the microwave or in a warm oven before serving again to enjoy the flavors!
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
You can definitely ramp up the heat! Add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to your taste. If you like it super spicy, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper!
What Should I Serve with the Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber. You can even use potato chips for a crunchy, salty contrast!
