Cajun Shrimp Dip

Ingredients

• 227 g (8 oz)cream cheese, cubed
• 60 ml (¼ cup)mayonnaise
• 60 ml (¼ cup)sour cream
• 200 g (2 cups)shredded mozzarella
• 25 g (¼ cup)shredded Parmesan
• Juice of 1lemon
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon)Worcestershire sauce
• 28 g (2 tablespoons)unsalted butter
• 1 smallred pepper, deseeded and chopped
• ½ mediumyellow onion, chopped
• 3spring onions, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 454 g (1 lb)shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces; reserve 3 whole shrimp for garnish if desired
• 3 clovesgarlic, minced
• 3 teaspoonshomemade Cajun seasoning or shop-bought, divided
• To servechips or vegetable sticks

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. 2

   Mix the cheese

   In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix with an electric hand mixer or wooden spoon, then set aside.

3. 3

   Cook the shrimp

   Melt the butter in a 25 cm (10-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red pepper, onion and spring onion, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, shrimp and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning; cook for 3–5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook them. Set aside 3 whole shrimp for the garnish, if using.

4. 4

   Bake the dip

   Add the shrimp mixture to the bowl of cheese mixture and stir until combined. Return the mixture to the cast-iron skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling around the edges.

5. 5

   Garnish and serve

   Top with the reserved whole shrimp and chopped spring onions. Serve with chips or vegetable sticks for dipping.

What is Cajun shrimp dip?

This is a baked American-style sharing dip, with shrimp and vegetables folded into a creamy mixture of cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Cajun seasoning gives it a savoury, peppery warmth.

The method builds flavour in the skillet before baking: the vegetables soften, the shrimp cook with garlic and seasoning, and the cheesy base turns golden at the edges.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 234 calories, 21g protein, 8g carbs, 13g fat.

The shrimp provide much of the protein, while the cream cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, sour cream and butter contribute most of the fat. The chips or vegetable sticks add carbohydrates, so serve the dip with plenty of vegetable sticks alongside chips for a more balanced plate.

Build a smooth base

Softened cream cheese: cubing it helps it blend with the mayonnaise and sour cream. Mix until the base is as even as you can make it before adding the cooked ingredients.

Cheese and lemon: mozzarella brings a stretchy, mild richness, while Parmesan adds a more savoury note. Lemon juice brightens the mixture.

Cook the shrimp carefully

Vegetables first: give the pepper and onion 2–3 minutes in the butter so they begin to soften before the shrimp go in.

Shrimp cue: cook for 3–5 minutes, stopping when the pieces are pink and opaque. They will also spend time in the oven, so avoid leaving them on the hob longer than needed.

Check the seasoning

The ingredient list gives 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, while the method calls for 2 teaspoons in the cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon with the shrimp. These amounts do not match, so check the quantity on your seasoning before cooking and adjust to your taste.

Look for bubbling edges

Bake the assembled dip for 20–25 minutes. It is ready when the edges are bubbling and the top has taken on a golden colour.

A cast-iron skillet can go from hob to oven, saving you from transferring the mixture to another baking dish. Use an oven-safe dish if your pan is not suitable.

Serve it warm

Set the skillet out while the dip is warm, with chips or vegetable sticks for scooping. The reserved shrimp and spring onions add a fresh-looking finish.

Choose sturdy dippers that can carry a generous scoop without breaking. Keep extra dippers nearby for a shared starter.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the cream cheese into cubes so it is easier to mix into the other ingredients.
• Chop the shrimp into evenly sized pieces for more consistent cooking.
• Keep the reserved whole shrimp aside before mixing the cooked shrimp into the cheese base.
• Check the seasoning amount: the ingredient list and cooking method specify different quantities.
• Use an oven-safe skillet for the hob-to-oven method, or transfer the mixture to a suitable baking dish.

Variations

• Add extra heat: stir in a little more Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
• Change the dippers: offer cucumber, pepper strips or other crisp vegetable sticks.
• Use a baking dish: cook the shrimp in a pan, then bake the combined dip in an oven-safe dish.
• Adjust the garnish: finish with extra chopped spring onions instead of reserving whole shrimp.
• Make it milder: use less Cajun seasoning and serve extra seasoning on the side.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overcooking the shrimp: stop when they are pink and opaque, as they will bake again.
• Adding the shrimp too early: soften the pepper and onion first so they have time to cook.
• Using a cold block of cream cheese: cube it before mixing to help it combine smoothly.
• Guessing the seasoning amount: the listed total and method quantities differ, so check them before cooking.
• Using a non-oven-safe skillet: transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish before baking.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat within 2 days. Reheat in an oven-safe dish until hot throughout, or warm gently in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts.

Frequently asked questions