Here’s a spicy, cheesy, flavor-packed recipe for Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or party finger food. These are bold, creamy, and loaded with shrimp and Cajun kick!
🌶️ Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
🍽️ Yield: 12 stuffed jalapeño halves (serves 4–6)
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
🔥 Heat Level: Medium–High (can be adjusted)
📝 Ingredients
For the Jalapeños:
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6 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded (leave some seeds for more heat if you like)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp Filling:
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½ lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
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4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra heat)
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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1–2 tsp hot sauce (like Crystal, Tabasco, or your favorite – optional)
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
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Extra shredded cheese for topping
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Crumbled cooked bacon (2–3 slices)
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Panko breadcrumbs, lightly toasted (for crunch)
🍳 Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes (wear gloves to avoid chili burn).
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Lightly brush the inside of the jalapeño halves with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
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Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.
🍤 Step 2: Make the Cajun Shrimp Filling
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In a skillet over medium heat, add a tiny drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped shrimp for 1–2 minutes until just opaque and pink. Season lightly with Cajun seasoning.
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Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
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In a mixing bowl, combine:
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Cooked shrimp
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Cream cheese
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Cheddar or pepper jack cheese
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Mayonnaise
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Garlic
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Cajun seasoning
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Paprika, hot sauce, and green onions
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Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🫑 Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
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Spoon or pipe the shrimp filling into each jalapeño half.
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Mound the filling slightly above the rim.
🧀 Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional but Delicious)
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Sprinkle the tops with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and/or panko if using.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or extra green onions.
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Serve hot with ranch dressing, remoulade, or chipotle aioli for dipping!
🔄 Tips & Variations
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Milder version? Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños.
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More heat? Add chopped habanero or use extra hot sauce in the filling.
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Make ahead? Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Low-carb/keto? Skip the breadcrumbs and use full-fat cheese/mayo.
