Name: Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 large jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to light up your next gathering with these Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños! This irresistible appetizer packs a punch of flavor and heat, combining juicy shrimp, creamy cheeses, and a bold Cajun kick, all nestled in vibrant jalapeño halves. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash or just craving a zesty snack, these stuffed jalapeños deliver a combination of creamy, spicy, and savory in every bite. Trust me, your friends and family will be talking about this dish long after the last popper has disappeared!

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños is how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Each component brings its own magic: the jalapeños for crunch and heat, the shrimp for a touch of luxury, and the creamy filling to balance it all out.

Jalapeños: Choose 12 large, firm jalapeños for easy stuffing and vibrant color.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté the shrimp and add richness.
Raw Shrimp: Half a pound, peeled and finely chopped, ensures every bite is loaded with succulent seafood.
Cream Cheese: Four ounces, softened, for that signature creamy, tangy filling.
Cheddar Cheese: Half a cup, shredded, adds a melty, sharp layer to the mix.
Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup, grated, brings salty depth and a golden finish.
Green Onions: Two, finely chopped, for fresh flavor and a pop of color.
Cajun Seasoning: One teaspoon delivers the smoky, spicy background note that defines this recipe.
Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon for irresistible savory aroma.
Smoked Paprika: Just a quarter teaspoon gives subtle smokiness and color.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning throughout.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped for a lovely finishing touch and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Start by halving your jalapeños lengthwise and carefully removing the seeds and membranes. If you love extra heat, you can leave a few seeds in, but be warned—these beauties pack a punch! Lay the prepped jalapeños cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they’re ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Give them a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper, then remove from the heat. This quick sauté ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender in the final dish.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, green onions, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended—the aromas alone at this stage are intoxicating! Fold in the cooked shrimp so the filling is studded with savory bites in every spoonful.

Step 4: Stuff the Jalapeños

Spoon the creamy shrimp mixture generously into each jalapeño half, mounding it up for maximum flavor. Don’t worry if they look a little overstuffed—these are meant to be bold! Arrange the filled jalapeños back on the baking sheet, spacing them out so they bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbling and the tops take on a beautiful golden hue. Let the Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving them up warm.

How to Serve Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hit of freshness that balances the richness of the filling. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little extra grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lime can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

These Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are the ultimate appetizer, but they shine alongside simple sides like crisp celery sticks, cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, or a light green salad. Their bold flavor pairs perfectly with icy drinks and crunchy snacks for the ultimate party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter. Try skewering them with decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing, or serve them in individual mini cups with a dollop of dip at the bottom for an extra fun twist. They’re a true showstopper however you plate them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, place the cooled Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They hold up beautifully and make an awesome next-day snack.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the stuffed (but unbaked) jalapeños on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for a speedy, spicy treat whenever you want.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the stuffed jalapeños in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until hot and bubbly. This keeps them crisp and melty, rather than soggy or rubbery like they might get in the microwave.

FAQs

Are Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños really spicy?

They definitely have a kick, thanks to the jalapeños and Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the heat. Removing all the seeds will mellow them out, or leave a few in for extra fire. Want even more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce to the filling!

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?

Absolutely! Just chop the pre-cooked shrimp finely and fold them directly into the cheese mixture—no need to sauté. It’s a great shortcut if you’re tight on time.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

To soften cream cheese fast, cut it into small cubes and let it sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. If you’re really in a hurry, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds at a time until spreadable.

Can I make Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake them just before serving so they’re hot, melty, and at their absolute best.

Are there any good substitutions for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. It won’t be identical, but you’ll still get those bold, zesty flavors!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that brings the wow factor, you’ve got to try these Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and an instant crowd-pleaser. Gather your friends, fire up the oven, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 24 stuffed jalapeño halves 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are a bold and flavorful appetizer featuring spicy jalapeño halves filled with a creamy and cheesy shrimp mixture seasoned with Cajun spices. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, these stuffed jalapeños deliver the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and savory shrimp for game days, parties, or any occasion that calls for a zesty treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Jalapeños

12 large jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed

Shrimp Filling

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
Fold in Shrimp: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the cheese mixture to distribute evenly without breaking up the shrimp too much.
Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon the shrimp and cheese mixture into each halved jalapeño, mounding the filling slightly to ensure each half is generously stuffed.
Bake: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.
Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the jalapeños cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
These can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
Perfect for parties, game days, or as a bold appetizer to impress guests.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Cajun