Cajun Shrimp Dip Recipe: Creamy Party Appetizer

This Cajun shrimp dip recipe is loaded with garlic-butter shrimp. Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

If you enjoy this recipe, try the Smoked Tuna Dip next.

This recipe was inspired by a recent trip to Panama City Beach and a memorable dinner at Margaritaville. While not an exact copy, it captures the creamy, spicy spirit of a restaurant-style Cajun shrimp dip and ramps up the flavor so you can customize it at home. The combination of sautéed shrimp, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, mayo and a hit of Worcestershire yields a rich, satisfying dip that’s perfect for parties, game day or a casual summer starter. Below you’ll find ingredients, clear step-by-step instructions, serving ideas and storage tips so you can make this easy, delicious dip with confidence.

More delicious dip recipes

• Lobster al Forno
• Jarlsberg Cheese Dip
• Easy Pizza Dip

Ingredients for Cajun shrimp dip

• Shrimp – 12 oz large shrimp (I used frozen raw, peeled and deveined; thaw before cooking).
• Butter – 2 tbsp, for sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
• Cajun seasoning – 2 tbsp (choose your preferred blend; many mixes include salt so taste before adding extra).
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (sour cream can be substituted if you prefer).
• Monterey Jack cheese – 8 oz shredded; reserve about 1.5 cups for the dip and a handful for the top.
• Worcestershire sauce – 2 tbsp to deepen the savory flavors (or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat).
• Red bell pepper – 1, finely chopped for color and crunch.
• Green onions – 1/3 cup, thinly sliced.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 500°F.

2. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thawed shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes until pink and cooked through.

3. In the final minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning (and the Worcestershire sauce if you prefer to add it while cooking). Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp cool enough to handle, then chop into bite-sized pieces and return to the pan.

4. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer on low.

5. Stir the chopped shrimp, chopped red bell pepper and sliced green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mix until everything is evenly combined.

6. Spread the mixture into a small casserole or baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.

7. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the dip is hot, bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetables.

Serving suggestions

This Cajun shrimp dip is ideal for gatherings and makes a flavorful starter for summer meals. Serve it alongside crisp celery sticks, cucumber rounds, toasted baguette slices, kettle chips or buttery crackers. It also pairs nicely with grilled steak sandwiches, a light bean salad, or fruit-forward desserts like classic strawberry shortcake to round out a party menu.

• Open Face Grilled Steak Sandwiches
• Easy Four Bean Salad
• Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Storage directions

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can enjoy it cold as a dip with vegetables or crackers, or mix it into hot cooked pasta for a quick, flavorful lunch. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Thank you for reading and trying this Cajun shrimp dip. If you make it, please pin or save the recipe and leave a rating if you enjoyed it.

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