Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip

Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip Recipe - A Delicious Cajun Appetizer

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip is a delicious and savory appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This creamy and cheesy dip is packed with flavor and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of New Orleans cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors. Shrimp is a staple ingredient in many New Orleans dishes, and this dip is a great way to showcase the delicious flavors of the Gulf Coast.

Ingredients

1 slice of bacon
3 medium onions, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
4 jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped
3 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese
4 drops of hot sauce
0.13 tsp of cayenne pepper
1 dash of black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain it on a paper towel.
Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until they are soft. Drain them on a paper towel.
Coarsely chop the shrimp.
Crumble the bacon and place it in a crockpot along with the other ingredients.
Cover and heat the crockpot on a low setting for about 1 hour, until the cheese is melted.
Thin the mixture with milk if it is too thick.
Serve with chips.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
Mix in cooked crab meat or crawfish for a seafood twist.
Top with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a smoky flavor to the dip.

- Sautéing the onions and garlic in the bacon drippings adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.

- Make sure to de-vein the shrimp before chopping them to remove any gritty texture.

- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Use a crockpot to melt the cheese and keep the dip warm for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a lighter option.

- Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dip ahead of time and reheat in the crockpot before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dip in a bread bowl for a fun and festive presentation. - Garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dip with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dip in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180 per serving

Carbohydrates

3g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium and vitamin C.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese) and shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

This dip is a rich source of protein and calcium, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Summary

Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip is a flavorful and indulgent appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this dip is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my friend Martha in New Orleans. Martha was a fantastic cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. One evening, as we were sipping on some sweet tea on her porch, she excitedly told me about a new dish she had been experimenting with - Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip.

She described it as a creamy and flavorful dip, perfect for spreading on crackers or dipping fresh vegetables in. I was intrigued and begged her to teach me how to make it. Martha agreed, and we spent the next afternoon in her cozy kitchen, chopping, sautéing, and stirring away.

The key to this recipe, Martha explained, was the combination of fresh Gulf shrimp, creamy cheese, and a blend of aromatic spices. She showed me how to season the shrimp with a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before cooking them to perfection in a skillet.

As the shrimp sizzled and released their mouthwatering aroma, Martha added a generous amount of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a splash of hot sauce to the mix. The cheeses melted together beautifully, creating a rich and velvety base for the shrimp to swim in.

Once everything was well combined, Martha poured the dip into a baking dish and sprinkled a layer of breadcrumbs on top for some extra crunch. Into the oven it went, and within minutes, the dip emerged bubbling and golden brown.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and as soon as Martha pulled the dip out of the oven, we grabbed some crackers and eagerly scooped up generous portions of the cheesy goodness. The flavor was out of this world - creamy, spicy, and packed with the sweet and briny taste of the shrimp.

From that day on, Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip became a staple in my recipe collection. Whenever I wanted to impress guests or simply treat myself to a delicious snack, I would whip up a batch of this delectable dip and watch as it disappeared within minutes.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to Martha's original recipe, adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of freshness. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in New Orleans, cooking and laughing with my dear friend.

Now, whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they always ask for my famous Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip. They love to help me in the kitchen, chopping the vegetables, stirring the pot, and of course, sneaking a taste or two along the way.

I hope that one day, they will pass this recipe down to their own children, just as Martha did for me. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions - it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and savoring the flavors of life.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful summer day in New Orleans, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures and friendships that have enriched my life. And as I take a bite of Cheesy New Orleans Shrimp Dip, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the delicious recipes yet to discover. Life is a feast, and I intend to savor every bite.