🌶️🍤 Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
These spicy, cheesy stuffed jalapeños are filled with succulent Cajun-seasoned shrimp, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with melted cheddar. They’re the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or anyone who loves bold flavors.
6
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 20 poppers (10 jalapeños)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Jalapeños
- 10 large jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Shrimp Filling
- 8 ounces (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- Chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Jalapeños
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon (wear gloves if desired).
- Lightly brush the jalapeños with olive oil.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Toss the chopped shrimp with the Cajun seasoning.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until pink.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Parmesan
- Crumbled bacon
- Green onions
- Hot sauce (if using)
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- Cooked shrimp
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Stuff the Jalapeños
- Spoon the filling generously into each jalapeño half.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs if using.
5. Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra green onions.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Chipotle mayo
- Fresh guacamole
- Celery and carrot sticks
💡 Tips
- Leave a little of the jalapeño membrane intact if you prefer extra heat.
- Pat the cooked shrimp dry before mixing with the cheese to keep the filling thick and creamy.
- Use pepper jack cheese for an even spicier version.
- These can be assembled several hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked stuffed jalapeños for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.
🍴 Approximate Nutrition (Per 2 Stuffed Halves)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
These Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños are creamy, cheesy, smoky, and perfectly spicy, with juicy Cajun shrimp in every bite. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering!