This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy
Shrimp Dip – A creamy, cheesy, and spicy dip packed with tender shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Easy to make ahead or whip up last minute, it’s the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Serve it warm and bubbly for an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
You know those dips that are so good you’re tempted to just stand next to the snack table and claim the dish as your own? That’s exactly what this Spicy Shrimp Dip does to people.
It’s creamy, loaded with tender shrimp, and has just the right kick from Cajun seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just having a casual hangout, this dip is a total crowd-pleaser.
What I love most is how simple it is to throw together. The shrimp and veggies sauté in no time, and the rest is just mixing and baking.
You can even prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven right before guests arrive. It’s one of those make-ahead lifesavers that lets you actually enjoy your own party.
And hey, if you’ve got extra shrimp, you can always save them for dinner and Saute Shrimp for Pasta later in the week. Just another reason to keep a bag of jumbo shrimp in the freezer at all times!
Serve this dip with crackers, a toasted baguette, or just a spoon (I won’t judge). It’s sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Dip
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for party planning! You can prepare it in advance and bake it right before your guests arrive.
- Rich, Cheesy Goodness: Cream cheese and Parmesan create a luscious, creamy base that melts perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Keeps Warm in the Crockpot: Pop it in a slow cooker for parties, so it stays warm and gooey for as long as you need.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Butter
- Bell Pepper
- Onion
- Shrimp
- Cajun Seasoning
- Cream Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon Juice
How To Make Shrimp Dip
- Sauté the veggies: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the bell pepper and onion until tender.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix the dip: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine shrimp and veggies: Stir the cooked shrimp and veggies into the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Bake the dip: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot: Once out of the oven, let the dip cool slightly and serve with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Make it ahead of time. You can assemble the dip and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the bake time when you’re ready to serve to ensure it’s hot and bubbly.
- Use fresh Parmesan. Skip the canned stuff! Freshly grated Parmesan gives the dip a richer, more authentic flavor that really shines in every bite.
- Try a variety of peppers. While red bell peppers add a sweet, mild flavor, you can mix things up with orange, yellow, or green bell peppers for a more colorful dip.
- Keep it warm in a slow cooker. If you’re hosting a party, transfer the dip to a slow cooker on low heat after baking to keep it warm throughout the event without drying out.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast! Make sure to only sauté them for 2-3 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture. They’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Store leftover shrimp dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through before serving again.
Absolutely! You can freeze shrimp dip in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until bubbly and hot.
To control the heat, simply adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. For a spicier dip, add a bit more seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Spicy Shrimp Dip
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pound raw small shrimp, coarsely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add butter to the pan to melt.
- Once melted add peppers and onions and saute for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp is cooked.
- In a large bowl mix together cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Add shrimp and stir until well combined.
- Pour into a oven safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve with pita chips or favorite crackers
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.
**This post is sponsored by Safeway. All thoughts an opinions are 100% my own.
OMG brilliant! So much flavor in this dip.
I love the flavor from the Cajun seasoning! What a terrific dip!
This is such a yummy snack or appetizer! It looks amazing!
Can you make it in a slow cooker?
I would follow the recipe and instead of putting in baking dish to get it hot, you could put it in your slow cooker to heat it and keep it warm. But I would still follow the rest of the recipe to cook the onions and shrimp. Enjoy