Bold, Creamy, and Built for the Function
If you need a guaranteed hit for your next kickback, game night, or family gathering, this Cheesy Cajun Shrimp Dip is it. It’s creamy, spicy, loaded with shrimp, and baked until bubbly with golden, melty cheese on top. One scoop and you already know—it’s not making it to leftovers.
Created by @cookingwithpatlee, this dip layers sautéed bell peppers and onions with seasoned shrimp, rich cream cheese, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar. The Cajun seasoning brings that Southern heat, while garlic paste and scallions deepen the flavor. It’s easy, indulgent, and exactly what the appetizer table needs.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Base:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic paste
For the Creamy Dip:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced scallions
- ½ tsp additional Cajun seasoning
For Topping:
- ½–1 cup shredded cheese (for broiling)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Sauté diced bell peppers and onions until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Add a little more oil if needed.
- Cook the chopped shrimp, seasoning with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and garlic paste until fully cooked.
3. Combine the Base
- Reduce the heat.
- Mix in the softened cream cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Add the Cheese & Scallions
- Stir in shredded pepper jack, cheddar cheese, scallions, and a little extra Cajun seasoning until evenly incorporated.
5. Transfer & Bake
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Broil for the Finish
- Top with additional shredded cheese.
- Broil for a few minutes until golden and melted.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or buttery crackers.
- Want extra heat? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dip reheats well—just cover and warm in the oven.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Pat Lee, the culinary creative behind @cookingwithpatlee. Known for bold, easy-to-follow comfort food recipes, he brings Southern-inspired flavor to every dish while keeping it approachable for home cooks.
Pat Lee | @cookingwithpatlee