Cajun Shrimp Dip

Published February 3, 2016, updated February 26, 2025

PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
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Cajun Shrimp Dip! The combination of cream cheese and spicy Cajun seasoning create a perfect balance in this easy skillet shrimp dip.

A cast iron skillet of hot cajun shrimp dip with a bottle of hot sauce in the background.

This Cajun Shrimp Dip is rich, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors that remind me of my trips to Louisiana!

I love serving this with buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices. It’s the perfect appetizer for game day, Mardi Gras gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent with a little kick!

Looking for more hot dip recipes? Try my Indian-inspired Butter Chicken Dip, Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip or Pumpkin Chili Cheese Dip!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold & Spicy: Cajun seasoning and hot sauce bring the heat.
  • Creamy & Comforting: Cream cheese makes it irresistibly smooth.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes!
  • Perfect for Sharing: Serve it up with crackers, chips, or toasted bread.

Ingredients

  • Butter & Olive Oil: A combination of fats for depth of flavor.
  • Scallions & Green Bell Pepper: Add a fresh, aromatic base.
  • Pimentos: A little sweetness to balance the spice.
  • Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic.
  • Shrimp: Tender, juicy, and the star of the show.
  • Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives this dip its signature kick.
  • Cream Cheese: Melts beautifully into a smooth, luscious dip.
  • Hot Sauce: Use your favorite!

Instructions

Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the sliced scallions, diced green bell pepper, and pimentos.

Stir everything together and cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until the veggies soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds—just enough time for it to release its aroma without burning.

Next, toss in the chopped shrimp and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the top. Stir well to coat the shrimp in all that spicy goodness.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque and is fully cooked through.

Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring continuously as it melts to ensure everything is well combined into a silky, cheesy dip. Stir in the hot sauce, adjusting the amount to your spice preference, and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Finally, sprinkle extra chopped scallions on top for a fresh bite and a pop of color. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or toasted bread.

Bonus Tip

I love serving dips like this in a mini skillet! Just look at how adorable it is!

A skillet of hot shrimp dip surrounded by Ritz crackers.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.

If the dip thickens too much upon reheating, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen the consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy when thawed.

A Ritz cracker dipping into a skillet of hot shrimp dip.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add chopped, crispy bacon for an extra salty, smoky bite.
  • Switch up your proteins and try this with canned crab or shredded chicken.
A Ritz cracker topped with hot shrimp dip beside a bottle of hot sauce.

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Cajun Shrimp Dip! The combination of cream cheese and spicy Cajun seasoning create a perfect balance in this easy skillet shrimp dip.
Course Appetizer, Snack
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author Dianna Muscari

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Garlic press or microplane grater
  • Medium skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Serving dish

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced {plus extra for garnish}
  • cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons diced pimentos
  • 1 garlic clove grated or minced
  • ½ pound peeled, deveined shrimp roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or more to taste

Instructions 

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add scallions, bell pepper, diced pimientos and garlic and cook until tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add chopped shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine. Cook until shrimp is opaque and cooked through. 
  • Add cream cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Mix in hot sauce. Garnish with extra chopped scallions if desired.
  • Serve with crackers or chips.

Dianna’s Tips

Using the whole block of cream cheese makes for a very creamy dip. If you prefer a chunkier dip with more focus on the shrimp, use only half to ¾ of the cream cheese or add more shrimp.

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Hi, I’m Dianna! I share elevated yet easy recipes and effortless entertaining ideas that help you cook with confidence and host with joy. Around here, fresh ingredients, thoughtful details, and warm hospitality make every meal feel special. I’m so glad you’re here!

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