Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos are a delightful and cheesy treat that can elevate any gathering. These tasty shrimp jalapeno poppers are not only easy to prepare but also serve as a perfect appetizer for parties, game day, or casual get-togethers. With their creamy filling and zesty kick, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser at your next event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious poppers in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese and seasoned shrimp offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, tailgating, or as a fun family dinner side dish.
• Crowd Favorite: These stuffed jalapenos are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices based on your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos effectively, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to thoroughly combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing the cream cheese and shrimp together to create a smooth filling.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and easy handling when transferring the stuffed jalapenos in and out of the oven.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 6 oz canned tiny shrimp (drained)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Old Bay seafood seasoning
• 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp dried minced onion
• 1 pinch kosher salt

For the Jalapenos

• 16 jalapenos (sliced in half, seed and ribs removed)

How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your jalapenos will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Use a fork to combine the canned tiny shrimp, cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, dried minced onion, and a pinch of kosher salt.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos

1. Take each halved jalapeno and scoop out any seeds or ribs for less heat if desired.
2. Generously fill each jalapeno half with the shrimp mixture.
3. Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the jalapenos are soft and lightly browned on top.
2. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos make for a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive occasion, these spicy treats can be served alongside different dishes or dips to enhance their flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Creamy Ranch – A cool, tangy ranch dressing perfectly balances the heat of the jalapenos.
• Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds a rich texture that complements the shrimp filling.
• Salsa – Fresh tomato salsa brings a zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with stuffed jalapenos.

As Part of a Platter

• Vegetable Platter – Serve alongside fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers for a crunchy contrast.
• Cheese Board – Add these poppers to a cheese board with various cheeses and crackers for a classy touch.

Pairing with Drinks

• Iced Tea – A refreshing glass of iced tea can help cool down the spice from the jalapenos.
• Sparkling Water – The fizz in sparkling water is both refreshing and enhances the flavors of the poppers.

How to Perfect Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

To achieve the best results with your Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavoring – Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley in your filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Even Cooking – Arrange jalapenos evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Texture Matters – Blend your cream cheese until smooth before mixing in shrimp for a creamy texture.
• Adjusting Spice Level – For milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapenos before stuffing.
• Extra Crunch – Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are some ideal accompaniments to serve alongside them.

1. Corn Salad – A refreshing mix of corn, tomatoes, and onions brings sweetness to balance the heat.
2. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a cooling effect that complements the spicy shrimp poppers nicely.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are hearty and satisfying next to these flavorful bites.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fragrant rice adds an aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the stuffed jalapenos.
5. Black Bean Dip – Creamy black bean dip provides protein and pairs well with tortilla chips on the side.
6. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad will add freshness and help cleanse the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Drainage: Not properly draining the shrimp can make your filling too watery. Ensure that you drain the shrimp well before mixing.
• Ignoring Cheese Temperature: Using cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• Overfilling Jalapenos: Stuffing jalapenos too much might cause the filling to overflow during baking. Use just enough filling to fill each pepper without spilling over.
• Choosing Wrong Pepper Variety: Using larger or milder peppers may not give you the desired spicy kick. Stick with fresh jalapenos for authentic flavor and heat.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400°F before placing the stuffed jalapenos inside.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos in an airtight container.
• They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

• For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos?

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos are spicy jalapeno peppers filled with a creamy shrimp mixture, perfect as an appetizer or party snack.

How do I customize my Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos?

Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or even different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What dipping sauces pair well with Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos?

Try serving them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a zesty salsa for added flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients to suit your taste. Whether it’s for game day or a cozy gathering, these poppers will impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the burst of flavors!

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