Sizzling Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

Peppers blazing with cajun shrimp stuffed jalapeños promise a zesty adventure for spice enthusiasts.

Each bite delivers a punch of flavor that dances across your palate.

Jalapeños become delectable vessels filled with succulent seasoned seafood and creamy cheese.

Crispy edges and tender interiors create a mouthwatering contrast that keeps people coming back for more.

Kitchen skills shine through this simple yet impressive appetizer that impresses guests instantly.

Southern culinary traditions merge with bold ingredients to craft an unforgettable dish.

You’ll want to savor every single spicy, cheesy morsel with pure delight.

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños with Big Flavor

• Perfect for adventurous home cooks seeking quick, exciting flavor bursts.
• Takes just 30 minutes total, with most time spent on simple assembly and baking.
• Delivers bold Cajun-style taste that appeals to both spice lovers and cheese fans, making it ideal for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Easy to adjust spiciness by removing more or fewer seeds, allowing everyone from mild-preference to heat-seekers to enjoy the dish.

Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Shrimp Jalapeños

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings rich flavor and protein to the stuffed jalapeno appetizer. Wild-caught or large Gulf shrimp work best for maximum taste.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that helps bind the filling and adds creamy texture. Full-fat version recommended for richer taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides bold, tangy flavor to the stuffing. Aged cheddar offers more intense taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates stretchy, gooey texture in the filling.

• Jalapenos: Spicy green peppers that serve as the vessel for the stuffing. Fresh, firm peppers with bright green color are ideal.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds mild onion flavor and green color to the dish. Optional but recommended for extra freshness.
• Parsley: Bright green herb used for garnish and adding a fresh finish. Fresh parsley preferred over dried.

• Olive Oil: Cooking oil used to sauté shrimp with rich, smooth flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that adds signature Louisiana-style heat and depth to the shrimp.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Salt: Basic seasoning to enhance all other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements other seasonings.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional finishing cheese for extra savory garnish.

How to Bake Cajun Shrimp Jalapeños Like a Pro

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Set oven to 400F (200C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Transform Jalapenos

Slice jalapenos lengthwise. Remove seeds and inner membranes using a small spoon, creating perfect boats for filling.

Step 3: Spice Up the Shrimp

• Chopped shrimp
• Cajun seasoning
• Minced garlic

Cook until shrimp turns pink and is just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Filling

• Cooked shrimp
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Chopped green onions

Mix thoroughly until well blended. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Stuff Those Peppers

Generously fill each jalapeno half with the shrimp-cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place stuffed jalapenos on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and peppers soften.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, and optional Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Tips That Help Shrimp-Stuffed Jalapeños Stay Crisp

• Tame the Heat: Remove seeds and membranes carefully to reduce spiciness while keeping jalapeno flavor intact.
• Prep Perfectly: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure crisp texture and prevent excess moisture in the filling.
• Cheese Strategy: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing and more even distribution in the stuffing.
• Customize Seasoning: Adjust Cajun spice levels to suit your heat tolerance, adding more or less based on personal preference.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed jalapenos in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.

How to Store and Reheat Jalapeños Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover stuffed jalapenos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Warm stuffed jalapenos at 350F for 810 minutes to maintain crispy texture and prevent cheese from separating.
• Reheat quickly in microwave for 3045 seconds, but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven method.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Dishes That Pair Well with Cajun Shrimp Jalapeños

• Mix a spicy jalapeño margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a jalapeño slice to match the heat of the stuffed peppers.
• Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cool down the fiery Cajun shrimp, balancing the spicy and creamy flavors.
• Reach for a light wheat beer or crisp pilsner that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy kick.
• Prepare a light citrus salad with orange and lime segments to brighten the dish and provide a zesty, cooling element alongside the spicy stuffed jalapeños.

Stuffing Variants That Keep Jalapeños Interesting

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace shrimp with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based version that maintains the spicy, cheesy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Jalapeño Poppers: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the Cajun seasoning and cheeses, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap cream cheese for full-fat Greek yogurt and use extra sharp cheddar. Add crispy bacon bits for additional protein and flavor without increasing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew-based cream cheese and nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives made from almonds or coconut to create a creamy, satisfying filling.

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and irresistible, Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños deliver a flavor explosion that ignites taste buds. Creamy cheese, zesty shrimp, and bold Cajun spices create an appetizer so addictive you’ll crave them at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 large jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• ½ pound (225 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• A sprinkle of Parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by setting the oven to a robust 400F (200C), preparing a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil for optimal heat distribution.
2. Transform jalapeños into delicate vessels by slicing them lengthwise and meticulously removing seeds and inner membranes, creating perfect pockets for the upcoming flavor explosion.
3. Initiate the seafood preparation by heating olive oil in a skillet, introducing chopped shrimp, vibrant Cajun seasoning, and aromatic garlic. Sauté the mixture until the shrimp turns opaque and tender, approximately 2-3 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
4. Craft the luxurious filling by blending the freshly cooked shrimp with cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and finely chopped green onions. Harmonize the mixture with a delicate balance of salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
5. Carefully nestle the rich shrimp and cheese medley into each jalapeño half, pressing gently to ensure a complete and generous filling.
6. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape and the jalapeños become tender.
7. Complete the culinary creation by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions, and optional Parmesan for an extra layer of sophistication. Serve immediately while the flavors are at their peak of intensity.

Notes

• Handling Spice Levels: Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes completely to reduce heat intensity, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance.
• Cheese Flexibility: Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Seafood Substitution: Replace shrimp with diced chicken, crab meat, or plant-based protein like tofu for diverse dietary preferences.
• Preparation Tip: Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation and accidentally transferring capsaicin to sensitive areas like eyes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg