Description
Fiery jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, baked until tender and golden for a bold, spicy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line or lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Arrange halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half.
- In a separate bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and olive oil until well coated.
- Place one shrimp on top of each stuffed jalapeño, pressing gently into the filling.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Remove all seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
- Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños for a less spicy version.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for variation.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 halves
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
