Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are the ultimate spicy bite-sized appetizer for any gathering. They bring the heat with fresh jalapeños pack a punch with Cajun-seasoned shrimp and balance it all with creamy cheese and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for game day backyard BBQs or just when you’re craving something bold and flavorful. These bad boys disappear fast—so make a double batch!
Total time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20 halves (about 4–6 people)
Ingredients:
10 large jalapeños halved lengthwise and seeds removed
½ lb (225g) raw shrimp peeled and deveined finely chopped
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
4 oz (115g) cream cheese softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onions finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Olive oil spray (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat sauté shrimp with a drizzle of oil for 2–3 minutes until just cooked. Let cool slightly.
Make the filling: In a bowl mix cream cheese cheddar green onions garlic and cooked shrimp until well combined.
Stuff the jalapeños generously with the shrimp mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Optional crispy topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the stuffed peppers and spray lightly with olive oil
Bake for 15–20 minutes until jalapeños are tender and tops are golden and bubbly.
Serve hot garnished with more green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Tips:
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation
Don’t overcook the shrimp before mixing it in or it may turn rubbery after baking
Use a piping bag or sandwich bag with the corner snipped to neatly fill the jalapeños
Adjust heat by leaving in some seeds or adding cayenne pepper to the filling
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want extra crispy tops
Variations:
Beef-Wrapped: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a strip of beef before baking
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack mozzarella or a smoky gouda instead of cheddar
Seafood Twist: Mix in a little lump crab meat for extra richness
Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a faster crispier version
Saucy Finish: Drizzle with chipotle aioli ranch or hot honey just before serving
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze them before baking. Freeze on a tray then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t like shrimp?
A: You can swap shrimp with cooked chicken sausage or even ground turkey.
Q: How spicy are these?
A: They’re spicy but manageable for most. For less heat use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños.
Q: What should I serve with them?
A: Great with ranch dressing guacamole or a cold beer!
Nutrition (Per Stuffed Half – Approximate):
Calories: 80
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
Conclusion
Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are a bold crowd-pleaser with the perfect combo of creamy cheesy spicy and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party or just spicing up your weeknight these little flavor bombs bring serious heat and serious flavor. Make a big batch because they vanish fast.