Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños

Imagine plump shrimp sautéed in Cajun spices, folded into a creamy cheese filling, then stuffed into fresh jalapeño halves and baked until bubbly and golden. The result? A spicy, savory bite with creamy, smoky heat and juicy shrimp in every mouthful. Basically, the MVP of any appetizer spread.

I made these for a summer BBQ once, and people could not stop eating them. They’ve got just the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds, and the shrimp adds that little “whoa, what is that?!” surprise in the best way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spicy + creamy: The heat of the jalapeño and Cajun seasoning balanced with smooth cream cheese.
• Easy to make: Just a few ingredients and a quick bake.
• Crowd favorite: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you’re serving snacks.
• Customizable heat: Use less Cajun seasoning or milder peppers to tone it down.
• Low-carb and keto-friendly: A great snack or appetizer that fits your macros.

These stuffed jalapeños are kind of like jalapeño poppers that went to culinary school and came back spicy and sophisticated.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 16 halves (8 full jalapeños)
• Calories per serving: 110
• Protein: 6g | Carbs: 2g | Fat: 8g

Ingredients

• 8 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra spice
• Optional topping: crushed tortilla chips or panko for a crispy finish

Jalapeños: The perfect vessel for spicy, cheesy stuffing—choose firm, medium-sized ones.
Shrimp: Adds a juicy, savory twist that pairs beautifully with the Cajun heat.
Cream cheese: Creamy base to mellow out the spice.
Cheddar/Pepper Jack: Melty, sharp, and brings in that extra cheese factor.
Cajun seasoning: Smoky, bold flavor in every bite—store-bought or homemade works great.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the jalapeños

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes (wear gloves for this step if you’re sensitive to heat).
• Arrange cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.

2. Cook the shrimp

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Mix the filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked shrimp, and green onions.
• Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun spice or hot sauce if you want extra fire.

4. Fill the jalapeños

• Spoon or pipe the shrimp cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, slightly mounding the filling.
• Optional: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko on top for a crunchy finish.

5. Bake

• Bake for 18–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
• Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if you want the tops extra golden and crisp.

6. Serve

• Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm, garnished with more green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce.

How to Serve

• As an appetizer on a party platter with toothpicks.
• With ranch or cool yogurt dip to balance the spice.
• Next to sliders, wings, or nachos for game day spreads.
• With a fresh lime wedge for a citrusy pop.

Tips for Success

• Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid spicy fingers.
• Soften cream cheese fully so it mixes easily.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—it cooks fast and will bake again.
• Broil carefully—just 1–2 minutes for golden tops.
• Make it mild: Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños for a no-heat version.

Variations

• Add crispy turkey bacon crumbles for extra texture and smokiness.
• Swap Cajun for taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out shrimp and stir in black beans or corn.
• Air fryer version: Air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes for a crisp finish.

Storage and Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
• Freeze (before baking): Assemble and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.

Special Equipment

• Parchment paper or foil: For easy cleanup.
• Baking sheet: A standard sheet pan works perfectly.
• Mixing bowl and spatula: For blending the creamy filling.

FAQ

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes—stuff them, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake when ready to serve.

How spicy are they?
Medium spicy, depending on the jalapeños and how much Cajun seasoning you use. Remove seeds for less heat.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes—just chop and stir it in without cooking again. Season well.

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over indirect heat with the lid down for about 10–15 minutes.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda are amazing too.

Can I double the recipe?
Easily—just use a larger sheet pan or bake in two batches.

Is this recipe halal-friendly?
Yes, just be sure to use halal-certified shrimp and ensure your cheese is rennet-free if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese substitutes—still super tasty.

Can I make it keto?
Already low in carbs! Just skip any breadcrumb or chip toppings.

What dip pairs best?
Cool ranch, lime crema, or even a light yogurt dip balances the spice perfectly.

Conclusion

These Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are spicy, creamy, and completely addictive. They bring serious flavor, a little heat, and a whole lot of fun to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping for game day, or just making a snack you’ll actually crave, this one’s a keeper.

Try them out and tag me with your spicy snack setup—I can’t wait to see your creations!

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