Creamy Spicy Cajun Shrimp Dip

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Tabasco)
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or an oven-safe cast iron skillet.

2. 2

   Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green onions and diced bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Cook the shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and just opaque. Remove the pan from heat.

4. 4

   Mix the cheese base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and Worcestershire until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, all the mozzarella, and the shrimp mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.

5. 5

   Fill and top: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar across the surface.

6. 6

   Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is spotted golden. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.