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- 12 large jalapeño peppers - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños start with fresh ingredients. The star here is the jalapeño. I love using large peppers for this dish. They have enough space for plenty of stuffing. You need shrimp to bring flavor and protein. Always choose fresh shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined, so they are ready to cook. Cream cheese is vital for that rich and creamy texture. It helps balance the heat of the jalapeños. Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth to the flavor. Green onions give a fresh crunch. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds a nice aroma. Cajun seasoning gives a bold kick to the filling. Olive oil helps in cooking the shrimp. You can use salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, cooking spray or extra olive oil prevents sticking when baking. These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Start by preheating your oven. This step ensures the jalapeños cook evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your peppers. Carefully cut each jalapeño in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. This helps lower the heat. If you want less spice, wear gloves to protect your hands. - Warm olive oil in a skillet and sauté minced garlic. - Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning, cooking until shrimp are pink and opaque. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic fragrant, not browned. Then, toss in the shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for three to four minutes. Stir often until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool slightly. - Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cooked shrimp. - Season the mixture with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Add finely chopped green onions along with the cooked shrimp. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Then, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This mixture is creamy and full of flavor. - Fill each jalapeño half with the shrimp mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Now it’s time to stuff the jalapeños. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each half with the shrimp mixture. Make sure to heap the filling for a tasty bite. Each jalapeño should look full and inviting. - Arrange jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until tender. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for them to be tender and the cheese melted into a bubbly, golden topping. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. This helps enhance the flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation! For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. To control heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. This simple step helps tone down the spice. If you want a milder flavor, you can also use other peppers, like bell peppers or banana peppers. Both of these options keep the dish vibrant and tasty without too much heat. If you want a lighter option, choose low-fat cream cheese. This swap cuts calories without losing flavor. For those who avoid dairy, dairy-free cream cheese works well too. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill offer great alternatives that blend smoothly with the filling. Broiling the stuffed jalapeños gives them an extra crispy top. After baking, switch to broil for a few minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Another great option is air frying. It cooks them evenly and adds a nice crunch. Just set the temperature to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. For the Full Recipe, check the section above. Enjoy making this delicious treat! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in these stuffed jalapeños. Try using crab, chicken, or sausage instead of shrimp. Each option brings a unique flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, use black beans or corn. Both options add a hearty touch and keep the dish tasty. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. You can experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. Both add a rich taste and creaminess. Another option is to add cream cheese flavors, such as garlic herb. This gives a nice twist and enhances the overall taste. Spice is key in Cajun cooking. You can use different spice blends like taco seasoning for a fun twist. If you crave more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the stuffing. This will amp up the flavor and heat. Each variation keeps the dish exciting and fresh. Store your stuffed jalapeños in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. I suggest refrigerating them for up to three days. After that, they may lose their taste and texture. You can reheat stuffed jalapeños in three ways: oven, microwave, or air fryer. If you want the best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the jalapeños crisp. In the microwave, place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-second intervals until warm. This method is quick but may make them soft. For the air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method also keeps them crispy. No matter how you reheat, enjoy your flavorful treat! For the full recipe, visit the earlier section. Yes, you can prepare these jalapeños in advance. First, stuff the jalapeños with the shrimp mixture. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just take them out and follow the baking steps. This makes hosting easy and fun! The spice level can vary. Jalapeños can be mild or hot based on their ripeness. If you want less heat, remove the seeds and inner membranes. You can also use milder peppers like bell peppers. If you enjoy heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. These stuffed jalapeños pair well with various dips and sides. Sour cream or ranch dressing cools the heat. You can also serve them with guacamole or a fresh salsa. For a complete meal, add a side salad or chips and dip. The jalapeños are done when they are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can also poke one with a fork. If it feels soft, they are ready. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. To make Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños, we covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. You can adjust spiciness or change proteins to fit your taste. Don’t forget about storage and reheating options to keep leftovers fresh. These stuffed jalapeños offer flavor and fun for any gathering. Enjoy making this tasty dish, whether for yourself or a crowd. Get ready to share some spicy goodness!

Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños

Spice up your next gathering with these Fiery Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños! This mouthwatering recipe combines shrimp, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning for a deliciously bold appetizer that's easy to make. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, these stuffed jalapeños are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring some heat to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

12 large jalapeño peppers

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or brushing with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Carefully slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, taking care to remove the seeds and membranes. This will help reduce the heat and make room for the filling. (Wearing gloves is highly recommended to avoid irritation from the peppers.) Place the halved jalapeños cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

      In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, as this can turn bitter.

        Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before handling.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, and the shrimp mixture. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

            Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each half of the jalapeño with the creamy shrimp and cheese mixture, ensuring they are heaped for extra flavor.

              Place the stuffed jalapeños in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, slightly golden topping.

                Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and ease handling.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 6

                    Presentation Tips: Arrange your beautifully stuffed jalapeños on a large serving platter. For an enticing presentation, garnish with additional finely chopped green onions and a drizzle of your favorite spicy sauce or sriracha for a pop of color and extra heat. Enjoy!