If you love bold flavors and crave a spicy, handheld appetizer with a punch, you have to try Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños. This irresistible dish takes tender jalapeños, fills them with creamy Cajun shrimp, and bakes them to golden, bubbly perfection. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of heat, savory seafood, and gooey cheese, making it an unforgettable addition to any party spread or weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are beautifully simple, but each one serves a purpose in creating a snack that’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive. With these straightforward elements, you’ll build layers of flavor and texture that are guaranteed to delight.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Use fresh, large jalapeños for the perfect balance of heat and ample room for stuffing.
- Olive Oil: Adds just enough richness and helps the shrimp sauté beautifully in the skillet.
- Raw Shrimp: Finely chopped to ensure every bite is studded with sweet, juicy seafood, soaking up all the Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: The real backbone for bold, fiery flavor; adjust the amount for your ideal spice level.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that dreamy, creamy foundation that hugs the shrimp and fills the peppers.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings melty, sharp flavor and a beautiful golden top after baking.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture, rounding out any sharp edge from the spices and chiles.
- Green Onions: Lively and fresh, these give a pop of color and subtle crunch to the filling.
- Garlic: One clove is all you need for depth and a touch of aromatic flair.
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the Cajun shrimp and cheesy pepper combo.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for brightening every flavor in the mix.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh herbal finish and a bit of vibrant color.
How to Make Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Peppers
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for quick cleanup. Halve your jalapeño peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds; this sets the stage for stuffing and lets you control the heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped shrimp along with Cajun seasoning, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through. The kitchen will start to smell incredible—don’t worry, the wait is almost over! Let the shrimp cool slightly before mixing with the rest of the filling.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesy Cajun Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Blend until the filling is creamy, smooth, and evenly mixed. Gently fold in the sautéed shrimp so each scoop of filling delivers that signature Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños flavor.
Step 4: Fill the Jalapeño Halves
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half generously with the shrimp and cheese mixture, pressing lightly to get every crevice. Don’t be shy—more filling means bolder flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the peppers have softened and the filling is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. A sprinkle of optional fresh parsley just before serving brings everything together.
How to Serve Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
Garnishes
Add a fresh pop of color and flavor by sprinkling your Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños with chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top can also brighten things up, giving you a zesty, aromatic finish that pairs perfectly with the spicy filling.
Side Dishes
For a party platter, balance out the heat by serving these alongside cool, creamy dips like ranch or avocado crema. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can also help tone down the spice, while buttery cornbread or seasoned rice makes this appetizer a bit more substantial if you want to turn it into a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños on a wooden board with colorful veggie sticks and lemon wedges. For a festive touch, place each pepper half in a mini cupcake liner or serve skewered with a fun toothpick for easy grabbing at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños left after your gathering (trust me, it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before packing away to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
These stuffed jalapeños can be frozen before baking if you want a make-ahead party snack. Just fill your jalapeño halves, arrange them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Store them in a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños, pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Skip the microwave, which can make peppers soggy—the oven keeps them crisp and melty, just like when fresh.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
You can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch, but for the best flavor, go with raw shrimp and cook them with the Cajun seasoning as directed. If using cooked shrimp, just toss them with the seasoning and warm through briefly to avoid overcooking.
How spicy are Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños?
The spice level is totally customizable. Removing all the seeds makes a milder appetizer, while leaving some in or adding a dash of hot sauce brings serious heat. You’re in control of the fire!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are naturally gluten free as written, just double-check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t include any hidden gluten sources.
What’s the best way to clean jalapeños safely?
Wear gloves when halving and seeding jalapeños to prevent any lingering heat from transferring to your skin or eyes. Use a small spoon to easily scoop out all the seeds and membranes.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can fully assemble your Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños, cover, and refrigerate them a day before baking. Pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive for a perfectly fresh, bubbly appetizer.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños to your table means unforgettable flavor, irresistible heat, and a guaranteed centerpiece for any gathering. If you’re ready to spice up your appetizer game, give these a try and watch them disappear almost as fast as you can make them!
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Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (2 stuffed halves per serving) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spice up your appetizer game with these Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños. Creamy, savory, and with just the right amount of heat, these stuffed jalapeños are perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Jalapeños:
- 12 large jalapeño peppers (halved lengthwise and seeds removed)
Shrimp Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped shrimp with Cajun seasoning for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked shrimp.
- Stuff jalapeños: Spoon shrimp mixture into jalapeño halves, pressing lightly to fill. Arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake stuffed jalapeños for 15–18 minutes until tender and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add hot sauce to the filling.
- You can make these ahead and reheat before serving.
- Great for game day or party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapeño halves
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
