This easy-peasy-cajun-squeazy dip is perfectly creamy and tangy with a subtle kick of spice that makes it near impossible to stop eating!
TL;DR
This dip is simply awesome, easy as pie, and pairs so incredibly well with dry Rosé! My number one pairing recommendation for this one is the Mary Taylor Agenais Rosé, or another dry Rosé, like a French one from Provence or Tavel, a Spanish Garnacha Rosado, or a Rosé of Sangiovese!
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Before we dip in…
My game day eBook is baaaaack!
You might recognize this recipe if you’ve been around for a while! It was Day 10 of my “20 Days of Game Day Dips” series back in February, and it was one of my favourites of the bunch! And since football season is in full swing, we’re bringing it back.
You can find all 20 of my game day dips (including this one) in my eBook: “Here for the Dip” - Wine & Dip: Game Day Edition. Paid subscribers, you can access this eBook for free! Just click here and scroll to the bottom to download.
The Dip
Seriously - this one is worth making. It comes together in under 10 minutes, it’s so flavour-packed, and it’s just straight up addictive. It’s just a simple creamy chip dip base with zesty lemon, Cajun seasoning, some Calabrian peppers for extra spice, and loaaaads of chopped shrimp. You’ll love it, and so will everyone else! So maybe triple the recipe just to be on the safe side. ;)
Wine Pairing
I paired this with the Mary Taylor Agenais Rosé - a lush, medium-bodied, dry Rosé from the Agenais IGT in the southwest of France. This wine is insane quality (and value) with flavours of orange peel, cherries, raspberries, fresh herbs, flowers, slate… the list goes on! It’s one of those wines you try and just can’t stop thinking about. It has this richness to it that almost makes it seem oily, balanced by refreshing acidity, crisp minerality, and juicy fruit flavours. If you’re familiar with Rosé from the south of France, this is kind of like a hybrid of a Provence and Tavel Rosé! SO GOOD. And if you have no idea what those are, you need to try them. And both would be awesome paired with this dip as well!
Why does this pairing work?
Contrasting and matching textures: The wine’s juicy acidity cuts through the creamy dip to refresh the palate between bites, and the wine’s lush, almost oily texture matches the creamy texture of this dip.
Matching Flavours: The citrus and herbaceous notes in the wine match the zesty and fresh herbs in the dip.
Balanced Flavours: The bold, tangy Cajun spice and calabrian peppers are balanced by the wine’s vibrant, juicy fruit flavours.
Pairing Alternatives
If you’re looking for another wine that’ll give you a similar pairing experience, try a Spanish Garnacha Rosé or a Rosé of Sangiovese. For a different wine style of wine pairing, go for an Albariño, Picpoul de Pinet, Vinho Verde, dry or off-dry Riesling, Sparkling Rosé, or Lambrusco.
If wine isn’t your thing, go for a Crisp Lager (like a Corona with lime), a Paloma or Margarita if you’re into cocktails, or sparkling lemonade with a touch of cajun spice for a fun mocktail!
Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Dip
Makes 3 cups (approx. 6-8 servings)
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus minimum 1 hour of chilling if possible)
Tools & Stuff
Knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Dip dish
Lemon zester (for lemon zest curls)
Ingredients
FOR THE DIP
2 cups [20-30 medium-sized] cooked and peeled shrimp, roughly chopped
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1/2 cup [4 oz] cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup [60ml] mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1-2 tbsp oil-packed Calabrian chili peppers, chopped
1 tbsp cajun spice mix
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
TOPPINGS
Cajun spice mix
Fresh chives, chopped
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Lemon zest curls
DIPPERS
Corn tortilla chips
Original salted kettle chips
Salt & vinegar kettle chips
Directions
Combine all ingredients for the dip in a medium-sized mixing bowl. If time allows, cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour (or overnight if possible) to allow the flavours to meld and the garlic to soften.
When ready to serve, transfer the dip to your serving dish of choice and top with a sprinkle of Cajun spice mix, fresh chives, cilantro, and lemon zest curls.
Serve immediately with dippers of choice or store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Notes & Stuff
Substitutions
Sour Cream: Swap for Greek yogurt
Shrimp: Substitute with cooked crab meat or lobster. Canned, fresh, or frozen will work!
Cajun Spice Mix: Use Old Bay seasoning or a homemade spice blend if Cajun isn’t available.
Calabrian Peppers: Substitute with 1 tsp of red chili flakes if Calabrian peppers aren't available to you, or chopped roasted red peppers for a milder option.
Lemon Juice: You can use lime juice for a slightly different flavour, or apple cider vinegar if you don't have lemon or lime available.
Enjoy, and love you all!
I love discovering fun new recipes like this. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
I made this for our holiday family gathering. It was amazing. I paired it with salt and pepper kettle chips from Trader Joe’s and a rosé from Provence. I would defiantly make again.