Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
Loaded with a savory blend of cream cheese, cheddar, seasoned shrimp, and Cajun spices, each bite delivers a perfect punch of flavor with just the right amount of heat.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Spoon or Small Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Optional – Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- To begin, I combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and finely chopped cooked shrimp in a mixing bowl. I prefer using shrimp that’s been sautéed or steamed, then cooled and chopped for an even texture throughout the filling.
- Next, I add in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. I like to give everything a good mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients are fully combined and the filling looks rich and evenly speckled with spice. At this point, the mixture should be thick and spreadable—perfect for stuffing into jalapeños.
- I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, I slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or the edge of a knife. If you're sensitive to spice, wearing gloves is a good idea during this step.
- Using a spoon or small spatula, I fill each jalapeño half with a generous scoop of the shrimp and cheese mixture, smoothing the top to ensure even cooking. If I’ve prepared the optional breadcrumb topping, I sprinkle it over each one now, pressing gently to help it stick.
- I arrange the filled jalapeños on the lined baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. They bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly, and the tops are just turning golden. If you're using breadcrumbs, they should be crisp and lightly browned by this point.