Cajun Bayou Dip

Ingredients

• 4 bricks cream cheese (8 oz each; scored in a cross-hatch pattern)
• 12 oz small shrimp (41/60 count)
• 12 oz crawfish tails
• 4 oz andouille sausage (chopped)
• 0.25 cup scallions (chopped)
• 0.25 cup roasted red pepper (diced)
• 12 garlic (cloves, chopped)
• 0.33 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.25 cup pickled jalapeño (with juice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 spears pickled okra (sliced)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 1 tsp BBQ rub
• 1 tbsp chives (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

2. 2

   Add the 12 cloves of chopped garlic and 4 oz of chopped andouille sausage to the pan and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add 1/4 cup of scallions and 12 oz of small shrimp to the pan.

4. 4

   Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of BBQ rub and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.

5. 5

   Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. When the shrimp are almost finished cooking, add 12 oz crawfish tails, 1/4 cup diced roasted red pepper, 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño (with juice), and 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley.

6. 6

   Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, then pour everything into a bowl and set aside.

7. 7

   Using the same pan, place 4 bricks of cream cheese inside and score the tops in a cross-hatch pattern.

8. 8

   Season the cream cheese with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.

9. 9

   Place the pan in a smoker at 275°F (135°C) for about one hour until the cream cheese is soft.

10. 10

    Once the cream cheese is softened, add 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 5 sliced spears of pickled okra, and the reserved bowl of seafood and sausage mixture back into the pan.

11. 11

    Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.

12. 12

    Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chives and an additional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.

13. 13

    Serve warm with hush puppies and crackers.

Notes

The author suggests serving this specifically with hush puppies for a true Southern experience. You can use any brand of Cajun seasoning or BBQ rub, though the author tags Dan-O's Seasoning.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• dip
• seafood
• smoked
• Cajun
• Southern
• party food
• shrimp