Cajun Shrimp Poppers 🌶️🍤🧀🔥 Spicy, Crispy, and Stuffed With Bold Shrimp and Melty Cheese in Every Bite

These poppers fuse plump shrimp, Cajun seasoning, creamy cheese, and a crispy outer layer. Serve them hot for maximum crunch and melty interior — they’re spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Think jalapeño poppers meet Southern shrimp fritters.

Ingredients (Makes ~15 poppers)

For the filling

• ½ lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, finely chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Optional: dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika

For the shell

• 7–8 jalapeños or mini sweet peppers, halved and deseeded
• OR use pre-made wonton wrappers, phyllo cups, or scoop-style chips

For coating & frying (if breaded version)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Optional for baked version

• Olive oil spray or melted butter
• Extra Cajun seasoning for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Make the filling
Mix chopped shrimp, cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Add hot sauce or paprika for extra kick. Chill for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Stuff your base

• For jalapeños or sweet peppers: spoon filling into each half.
• For wonton wrappers: add 1 tsp filling, fold into triangles, seal edges with water.
• For phyllo or chip cups: spoon in a dollop of filling directly.

Step 3: Cook your poppers

• To bake: arrange filled peppers or cups on a baking sheet, brush with oil or butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
• To fry: dredge poppers in flour → egg → panko. Fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on a rack.

Step 4: Serve hot
Garnish with chopped herbs, lemon wedges, or extra Cajun dusting. Serve with ranch, spicy aioli, or remoulade.

Flavor Variations

• Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for melty richness
• Mix in crumbled bacon or andouille sausage
• Add chopped pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for tang
• Try mango chutney or pepper jelly on top for sweet heat
• Use crab or crawfish instead of shrimp for a coastal spin

Pro Tips

• Finely chop shrimp so it blends smoothly into the filling
• Don’t overstuff or they’ll burst during baking or frying
• Chill filled poppers before frying for better structure
• Use gloves when handling raw jalapeños — the oils linger

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp Poppers are crispy, creamy, and loaded with spice — a handheld flavor bomb with Southern swagger. Whether baked or fried, they bring heat, comfort, and serious crave to any spread.

Stuff it. Crisp it. Pop it hot. 🌶️🍤🧀🔥

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