Introduction

Shrimp stuffed jalapenos make a perfect appetizer that combines a creamy, cheesy filling with a spicy kick. This easy-to-make dish brings together the flavors of seafood and sharp cheddar for a crowd-pleasing bite. Ideal for parties or a flavorful snack anytime.

The image shows four green jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy, white cheese filling. The cheese topping is melted and golden brown with some small crispy spots, creating a slightly uneven texture on top. Each jalapeño has a shiny, smooth green skin and the filling is heaped high, almost overflowing the edges. They are placed close together on a black baking tray, which contrasts with the bright colors of the peppers and cheese. The scene is well lit with natural light giving the food a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 oz canned tiny shrimp (drained)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
16 jalapenos (sliced in half, seeds and ribs removed)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained shrimp, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Spoon the filling generously into each halved jalapeno.
Step 4: Place the stuffed jalapenos cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, use fewer jalapeno seeds or substitute with mini sweet peppers.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra smoky or spicy flavor.
Try mixing in some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Use fresh shrimp instead of canned, cooked and chopped, for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed jalapenos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

The image shows several green jalapeño peppers sliced in half and filled with a creamy, lightly browned cheese mixture on top. Each pepper half acts as a base with a smooth dark green skin. The cheese filling inside is soft with a golden-brown crust that has a slightly crispy texture. The peppers are placed close to each other on a dark flat surface, with some green bits mixed into the cheese filling. The lighting highlights the shiny texture of the peppers and the warm color of the melted cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these jalapenos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed jalapenos a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I freeze shrimp stuffed jalapenos?

Yes, freeze them before baking on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.

Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 74 reviews

These Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos are a spicy and savory appetizer perfect for any occasion. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar combine with tiny canned shrimp and a dash of Old Bay seasoning to create a rich, flavorful filling. Baked until golden and tender, these jalapenos offer a delicious bite with a kick of heat.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 stuffed jalapeno halves 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

6 oz canned tiny shrimp, drained
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Pinch of salt

Jalapenos

16 jalapenos, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed

Instructions

Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for perfectly baked stuffed jalapenos.
Prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tiny shrimp with room temperature cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a smooth, well-blended filling.
Stuff the jalapenos. Spoon the prepared shrimp and cheese mixture generously into each halved jalapeno, making sure the filling is evenly distributed and fills the cavity.
Bake. Place the stuffed jalapenos cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the filling is lightly browned on top.
Serve. Allow the jalapenos to cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors.

Notes

Remove seeds and ribs carefully to reduce heat if you prefer milder jalapenos.
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a creamy texture.
You can swap Old Bay seasoning for other spice blends like Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
For a crispier top, broil the stuffed jalapenos for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
These stuffed jalapenos can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Keywords: Shrimp stuffed jalapenos, spicy appetizers, cream cheese jalapeno poppers, baked jalapenos, seafood appetizers