If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors and comforting textures, you’ve got to try this Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe. It’s the perfect party appetizer or cozy snack, loaded with creamy, zesty, and spicy goodness all nestled inside a crusty sourdough bread bowl. Once you taste this, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for gatherings or any time you want a tasty treat that impresses.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Bold Louisiana flavors: The Cajun seasoning and lemon zest pack a punch that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible.
Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping dip that looks and tastes gourmet.
Perfect for sharing: Serving the dip inside a sourdough bread bowl not only looks amazing but doubles as an edible dish everyone will love.
Customizable and versatile: It’s great as-is but easy to tweak your spice level or add extra ingredients to make it your own.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip comes from combining simple ingredients that each lend something special—creamy, tangy, rich, and spicy elements all work together to create layers of flavor and an irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together.
- Chives or minced green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and crunch that balances the spiciness.
- Mayonnaise and cream cheese: These creamy bases make the dip smooth and luscious.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth that elevates every bite.
- SeaPak Shrimp Scampi (or any cooked shrimp): The star protein that brings that delicious seafood taste.
- Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness and a refreshing citrus zing to cut through the richness.
- Cajun seasoning: Key to injecting authentic Louisiana spice and warmth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds complexity to the dip.
- Sourdough bread bowl: A crusty, slightly tangy vessel that holds the dip and doubles as a delicious edible bowl.
How to Make Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by defrosting your shrimp if frozen. Drain them really well—excess water can make the dip watery—and chop the shrimp into bite-sized ½-inch pieces. This helps distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the dip, making each mouthful perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Mix the Dip Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chives, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Then, add the shrimp pieces along with lemon juice, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until fully blended into a creamy, colorful mixture that smells like a Southern seafood feast.
Step 3: Prepare the Sourdough Bread Bowl
Cut the top off your sourdough loaf with a sharp knife and scoop out the inner bread, leaving about a ½-inch thick wall all around. This creates a sturdy, edible bowl that can hold the rich dip without leaking or collapsing.
Step 4: Fill & Bake the Dip
Transfer your shrimp dip into the hollowed-out sourdough bowl, spreading it evenly. Place it in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and piping hot and the bread edges are golden brown and toasted—a surefire sign that dessert is on its way!
How to Serve Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped chives or green onions on top right out of the oven. A few thin slices of jalapeño can up the heat if you’re feeling bold. Lemon wedges on the side invite you to squeeze a little extra zing when serving.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or colorful vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for a fresh contrast. You could even serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the creamy-rich dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dip in individual mini sourdough bowls for a fun finger-food experience at parties. Or scoop the dip into hollowed-out mini bell peppers for an extra pop of color and crunch. Both ideas add visual appeal and make your Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp dip separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and safe from soggy bread. Keep the sourdough bread bowl wrapped in foil or a plastic bag to maintain its crusty texture as long as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip mixture (without the bread bowl) by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The bread bowl is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen separately if wrapped tightly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. If reheating the whole bread bowl dip, keep an eye on the bread edges to avoid burning while the dip heats through evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen SeaPak Shrimp Scampi?
Absolutely! Using fresh shrimp works wonderfully—just be sure to cook them beforehand and chop them into small pieces before mixing into your dip.
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How spicy is the Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip?
This dip has a nice kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning or by including jalapeños if you want extra heat.
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What if I can’t find sourdough bread bowls?
No worries! You can use any sturdy round bread like a boule or even hollow out a large round baguette. Just make sure the bread is dense enough to hold the dip without getting soggy too fast.
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Can this dip be made ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the dip the day before and refrigerate it. When ready, fill your bread bowl and bake just before serving to keep it fresh and warm.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that brings people together around the table with its comforting textures and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just want a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is certain to please. Give it a try and get ready for lots of compliments and happy, satisfied smiles!
Print
Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Description
This Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip is a flavorful and creamy appetizer featuring diced shrimp, cream cheese, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning baked inside a sourdough bread bowl. Perfect for gatherings, this dip blends zesty lemon with a kick of spice to create a crowd-pleasing dish served warm with crackers or baguette slices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chives or minced green onions
- 1 red bell pepper, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, defrosted and chopped into 1/2 inch dice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 sourdough bread bowl
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Shrimp: Defrost the SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, drain thoroughly, and chop the shrimp into 1/2 inch pieces for easy incorporation into the dip.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chives, minced red bell pepper, mayonnaise, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Cut off the top of the sourdough loaf and carefully scoop out the interior bread, leaving about a 1/2 inch thick wall to hold the dip.
- Fill Bread Bowl: Transfer the shrimp dip mixture into the hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the bread has a golden brown crust.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Accompany the dip with crackers or slices of baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- The bread bowl walls should be about 1/2 inch thick to hold the dip without collapsing.
- This dip is best served warm straight from the oven for optimal flavor and texture.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.