Zesty Spicy Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe for Heat Lovers

Blazing with flavor, these spicy cajun shrimp stuffed jalapenos burst with zesty southern charm.

Peppers crackle with heat and promise delicious excitement.

Each bite delivers a punch of robust seasoning and creamy filling.

Cajun spices dance across tender shrimp nestled inside roasted green peppers.

The combination creates an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation at any gathering.

Cheese melts into the succulent seafood, creating a decadent blend of textures and tastes.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these fiery, mouthwatering poppers.

FAQs

• Are jalapenos too spicy for this recipe?

You can reduce heat by removing all seeds and membranes carefully before stuffing. Choose milder peppers like poblano if you’re sensitive to spice.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Ensure shrimp is fully drained to prevent watery filling. Fresh shrimp works best for maximum flavor.

• What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

Create a quick substitute using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix these spices in equal proportions to replicate Cajun flavor profile.

• How do I prevent jalapenos from being too soggy?

Remove excess moisture from shrimp and cream cheese. Pat ingredients dry before mixing. Use full-fat cream cheese for better texture and avoid watery filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños

• Jalapenos: Fresh, vibrant peppers that provide the perfect spicy vessel for our delectable stuffing, choose firm peppers with bright green color and no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking base that helps sauté shrimp and enhance overall flavor, opt for extra virgin for richer taste.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood star bringing oceanic richness, select fresh or high-quality frozen medium-sized shrimp for best texture.
• Cajun Seasoning: Zesty spice blend delivering bold, authentic southern kick, look for authentic Louisiana-style mixes or craft your own.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer adding depth and complexity, choose fresh cloves for most intense taste.

• Cream Cheese: Luxurious, smooth binding agent creating rich texture, select full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese adding robust flavor and melting beautifully, prefer aged varieties for stronger taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, stretchy cheese providing gorgeous melting quality, choose low-moisture type for best results.
• Green Onions: Fresh, bright garnish offering subtle onion notes, select crisp, vibrant stalks.
• Salt: Essential seasoning balancing overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for clean flavor.
• Black Pepper: Warm, pungent spice heightening dish's complexity, freshly ground provides most intense profile.

• Parsley: Fresh herb adding color and light herbaceous note, choose bright green leaves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional finishing touch.

Tools for Stuffing and Baking Cajun Shrimp Jalapeños

• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for cooking shrimp with perfect heat distribution.
• Small Spoon: Ideal for carefully removing seeds and membranes from jalapenos.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine shrimp, cheeses, and seasonings smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting jalapenos in half lengthwise and chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and ingredient portioning.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps mix filling ingredients and transfer mixture into jalapenos.

How to Make Fiery Cajun Shrimp Jalapeños That Pop

• Kick Off the Oven Heat

Crank up your oven to a scorching 400F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Jalapeno Transformation

Slice those spicy peppers down the middle and scoop out the seeds. Create cozy little boats ready for a flavor explosion.

• Shrimp Sizzle

In a sizzling skillet, dance those shrimp around with Cajun spices and garlic. Cook until they’re just perfectly done, then let them chill for a moment.

• Cheese Party Mixing

Combine your seared shrimp with creamy cheeses and green onions. Stir everything together until it’s a delicious, tantalizing mixture.

• Pepper Stuffing

Generously fill each jalapeno half with the cheesy shrimp goodness. Press it in gently to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop those stuffed peppers into the hot oven. Bake until the cheese melts into a bubbly dream and the peppers look irresistibly tender.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra zing. Serve these spicy treats while they’re hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Perfect Heat and Creamy Filling

• Remove seeds and membranes carefully to control spice level and prevent irritation to hands.
• Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
• Substitute shrimp with crab meat, diced chicken, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
• Prepare stuffed jalapeños up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.
• Let jalapeños cool slightly after baking to prevent burning and allow cheese to set for easier handling and more intense flavor.

Serve These Jalapeños for Parties or Game Day

• Spicy Flavor Fiesta: Pair these zesty stuffed jalapenos with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
• Hearty Appetizer Companion: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or toasted French bread slices for a complete and satisfying starter that keeps guests coming back for more.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Create a colorful platter by arranging the stuffed jalapenos with additional dipping sauces like salsa verde or chipotle aioli for a crowd-pleasing game night snack.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Complement the spicy kick with an ice-cold Mexican beer, crisp white wine, or a tangy margarita to enhance the Cajun-inspired flavor profile.

Store Stuffed Jalapeños for Spicy Leftovers

• Store leftover stuffed jalapenos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Prepare the stuffed jalapenos up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook for maximum convenience.
• Assemble uncooked stuffed jalapenos, place on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed stuffed jalapenos in a preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they're heated through while maintaining crisp edges and melty cheese texture.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos blend spicy peppers with succulent seafood in a classic Southern-style appetizer. Creole seasonings and creamy cheese create an irresistible flavor profile perfect for game day or casual entertaining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• ½ lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (30 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, sprinkled (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), lining a baking sheet with parchment or foil for seamless cooking.
2. Jalapeño Transformation: Bisect jalapeños lengthwise, extracting seeds and membranes to create pristine flavor vessels.
3. Shrimp Infusion: In a skillet, sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning and garlic in olive oil until the seafood turns opaque and succulent, then allow to cool momentarily.
4. Filling Composition: Merge sautéed shrimp with cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and green onions, seasoning with salt and black pepper to orchestrate a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Stuffing and Arrangement: Lavishly fill each jalapeño half with the shrimp-cheese fusion, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage, then position on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Culinary Finale: Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a golden landscape and jalapeños reach tender perfection. Embellish with fresh parsley, green onions, or Parmesan, serving immediately to capture peak flavor intensity.

Notes

• Manage Pepper Heat: Remove all seeds and membranes carefully to reduce spiciness, making the dish more accessible for those with lower heat tolerance.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Avoid overcooking shrimp; watch for opaque color and slight curl to maintain tender, juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and even distribution throughout the filling, ensuring a creamy consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for health-conscious guests, maintaining the recipe’s bold Cajun flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg